Shear exfoliation of DMSO intercalated Ti3C2Tx during 3D printing process and its performance as a supercapacitor at high and low temperatures

Abstract

Extraordinary electrical conductivity, hydrophilic nature and excellent mechanical flexibility of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXene) enable it to be intriguing contender for MSCs applications. However, the preparation process of MXene ink used in 3D printing is relatively complicated, and the ink is generally obtained by concentrating low concentration single-layer MXene. In this study, DMSO intercalated MXene precipitation was directly used for 3D printing, and MXene with increased interlayer spacing and reduced interlayer force was peeled off using shear force during the extrusion process of 3D printing. Finally, an interdigital electrode for MSC was successfully manufactured. The obtained 3D printed MSC demonstrated ultra-high areal capacitance of 2497.8 mF cm−2 at scan rate of 2 mV s−1, energy density of 222.02 μW h cm−2 and sustaining 84 % capacitance over 7000 long cycles. In addition, the prepared MSCs have good specific capacity over a wide temperature range (−40 °C–60 °C), and the capacity is positively correlated with temperature. However, the long cycle stability of MSCs at high and low temperatures is poor, and the performance needs further improvement. This work provides a reference for the next generation of scalable printed electronic products.