Synthesis of Ti1‐xWx Solid Solution MAX Phases and Derived MXenes for Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes

Abstract

AbstractA distinguishing feature of MAX phases and their MXene derivatives is their remarkable chemical diversity. This diversity, coupled with the 2D nature of MXenes, positions them as outstanding candidates for a wide range of electrochemical applications. Chemical disorder introduced by a solid solution can improve electrochemical behavior. Up to now, adding considerable amount of tungsten (W) in MAX phase and MXenes solid solutions, which can enhance electrochemical performance, proved challenging. In this study, the synthesis of M site Ti1‐xWx solid solution MAX phases are reported. The 211‐type (Ti1‐xWx)2AlC exhibits a disordered solid solution, whereas the 312‐type (Ti1‐xWx)3AlC2 displays a near‐ordered structure, resembling o‐MAX, with W atoms preferentially occupying the outer planes. Solid‐solution MXenes, Ti2.4W0.6C2Tz, and Ti1.6W0.4CTz, are synthesized via selective etching of high‐purity MAX powder precursors containing 20% W. These MXenes are evaluated as sodium‐ion battery anodes, with Ti1.6W0.4CTz showing exceptional capacity, outperforming existing multilayer MXene chemistries. This work not only demonstrates the successful integration of W in meaningful quantities into a double transition metal solid solution MAX phase, but also paves the way for the development of cost‐effective MXenes containing W. Such advancements significantly widen their application spectrum by fine‐tuning their physical, electronic, mechanical, electrochemical, and catalytic properties.