Ti2AlC MAX Phase Research Articles

Enhancing the Self-Healing Efficiency of Ti3AlC2 MAX Phase via Irradiation.

Self-healing materials are highly desirable in the nuclear industry to ensure nuclear security. Although extensive efforts have been devoted to developing self-healing materials in the past half century, very limited successes have been reported for ceramics or metals. Here, we report an intrinsic self-healing material of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase, which exhibits both ceramic and metallic properties, and a strategy for further enhancing the self-healing via irradiation is proposed. Quantitative in situ transmission electron microscopy tensile testing reveals that the fracture strength of 1.58 GPa is achieved on thoroughly fractured Ti3AlC2, corresponding to the self-healing efficiency of 19.8%, which is increased to 28.1% after irradiation. In situ irradiation experiments, atomic-resolution characterizations, and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that spontaneous rebonding of partial atoms on fracture surfaces is responsible for the self-healing, and irradiation-enhanced atomic migration, interplanar spacing increment, and gap-filling contribute to the self-healing enhancement.

Exfoliating Ti3AlC2 MAX into Ti3C2Tz MXene: A Powerful Strategy to Enhance High‐Voltage Dielectric Performance of Percolation‐Based PVDF Nanodielectrics

AbstractAll‐solid‐state polymer dielectrics benefit from a superior voltage window and conveniently circumvent fire hazards associated with liquid electrolytes. Nevertheless, their future competitiveness with alternative energy storage technologies requires a significant enhancement in their energy density. The addition of conductive 2D MXene particles is a promising strategy for creating percolation‐based nanodielectrics with improved dielectric response. However, a full understanding of the nanodielectric production – microstructure – dielectric performance correlations is crucial. Therefore, this research considered Ti3AlC2 MAX phase and Ti3C2Tz MXene as electrically conductive ceramic fillers in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Microstructural characterization of both nanodielectrics demonstrated excellent filler dispersion. Additionally, the exfoliation of Ti3AlC2 brought forth extensive alignment and interface accessibility, synergistically activating a pronounced interfacial polarization and nanocapacitor mechanism that enhanced the energy density of PVDF by a factor 100 to 3.1 Wh kg−1@0.1 Hz at 22.9 vol% MXene filler. The stellar increase in the PVDF energy density occurred for a broad MXene filler loading range owing to the unique 2D morphology of MXenes, whereas the addition of Ti3AlC2 fillers only caused a detrimental reduction. Hence, this study buttressed the importance to exfoliate the parental MAX phase into multi‐layered MXene as a decisive strategy for boosting nanodielectric performance.

Enhanced microwave absorption properties of Ti3AlC2 particles modified by a facile preoxidation strategy

MAX phases are considered to be promising microwave absorbing materials in fifth-generation (5G) communications, but their high electrical conductivity causes impedance mismatching, weakening their ability to absorb microwaves. Here, we present a universal preoxidation strategy to improve the impedance matching and the microwave absorption performance of a Ti3AlC2 MAX phase absorbing material. The microwave absorption properties of Ti3AlC2 particles were enhanced after preoxidation at temperatures of 500-700 °C for only 30 min in air, as compared with unoxidized Ti3AlC2 particles. More interestingly, the 600 °C-preoxidized Ti3AlC2 material reached a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of -50.56 dB at 8.87 GHz, superior to -12.36 dB at 12.82 GHz for the original Ti3AlC2 material. The preoxidized Ti3AlC2 particles were covered by a thin oxidation layer comprising both amorphous TiO2 (a-TiO2) and rutile TiO2 (R-TiO2). The oxidation layer endows the preoxidized Ti3AlC2 particles with good impedance matching, and a large number of nano-interfaces of a-TiO2/R-TiO2 and micro-interfaces of a-TiO2/Ti3AlC2 also contribute to the dielectric loss mechanism, thus improving its microwave absorption ability. This work provides a practical strategy for the fundamental study and the optimal design of MAX microwave absorbing materials.

Role of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase in regulating biodegradation and improving electrical properties of calcium silicate ceramic for bone repair applications

Calcium silicate ceramic is a promising bioceramic for various biomedical applications, but its high biodegradation rate and low strength restrict its clinical utility. As a result, the study devised an innovative solution to address these issues by utilizing the titanium aluminum carbide phase, potentially for the first time in biological applications, in conjugation with hydroxyapatite. Then, using powder metallurgy technology, they added these phases to calcium silicate to create nanocomposites. After soaking in simulated body fluid for ten days, the produced nanocomposites were assessed for bioactivity and biodegradability using scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, and weight loss assays. Their electrical and dielectric properties were also measured before and after soaking in the simulated body fluid solution. Furthermore, the tribo-mechanical properties of all sintered samples were measured. Interestingly, adding 40% hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to calcium silicate reduced the porosity from 12 to 6%. However, adding five vol% of the titanium aluminum carbide phase to the same sample increased the porosity to 8%. Importantly, these recorded percentages of porosity were comparable to those of compact bone porosity, which range from 5 to 13%. The addition of hydroxyapatite and titanium aluminum carbide phase significantly improved the rapid biodegradation of calcium silicate, albeit with a slight decrease in its bioactive properties, as evidenced by the incomplete surface coverage of the samples with the hydroxyapatite layer in the scanning electron microscopy images. The electrical properties of the nanocomposites were better with the addition of hydroxyapatite and titanium aluminum carbide phase, which helped the bone heal faster. The addition of a titanium aluminum carbide phase significantly improved the mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposites. For example, the calculated values for compressive strength of all examined samples were 131, 115, 105, 147, and 135 MPa. Based on the results, the prepared samples can be used in orthopaedic and dental applications.

Effect Of The Composition Of The Etching System MF-HCl (M = Li+, Na+, NH4+) on the gas-sensitive properties of Ti3C2Tх/Tioх nanocomposites

The influence of the nature of MF-HCl etching systems (M = Li+, Na+, NH4+) on the process of synthesis of Ti3C2Tx MXenes on the basis of Ti3AlC2 MAX-phase, microstructure, phase purity, interlayer distance, composition of functional surface groups, thermal behavior and yield of the obtained products has been studied. The room temperature sensing properties of Ti3C2Tx receptor layers deposited by microplotter printing were studied with respect to a wide range of gas analytes (H2, CO, NH3, NO2, NO2, O2, benzene, acetone, methane and ethanol). Increased sensitivity to ammonia was revealed for the MXenes obtained by exposure to hydrochloric acid solutions of sodium and ammonium fluorides and to carbon monoxide for the sample synthesized using the LiF-HCl system. High responses (~20–30% to 100 ppm NO2) were observed for all three receptor materials, but sensor recovery processes were significantly hampered. To improve the sensing characteristics, Ti3C2Tx sensing layers were subjected to relatively low-temperature heat treatment in an air atmosphere to form Ti3C2Tx/TiOx nanocomposites. It was found that a high and selective oxygen response at very low operating temperatures (125-175°C) was observed for the MXenes partially oxidized, which is particularly characteristic of the material produced using the HCl-NaF system.

Gold Nanoparticle-Embedded Thiol-Functionalized Ti3C2Tx MXene for Sensitive Electrochemical Sensing of Ciprofloxacin.

The unregulated use of ciprofloxacin (CIPF) has led to increased resistance in patients and has threatened human health with issues such as digestive disorders, kidney disorders, and liver complications. In order to overcome these concerns, this work introduces a portable electrochemical sensor based on a disposable integrated screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) coated with gold nanoparticle-embedded thiol-functionalized Ti3C2Tx MXene (AuNPs-S-Ti3C2Tx MXene) for simple, rapid, precise, and sensitive quantification of CIPF in milk and water samples. The high surface area and electrical conductivity of AuNPs are maximized thanks to the strong interaction between AuNPs and SH-Ti3C2Tx MXene, which can prevent the aggregation of AuNPs and endow larger electroactive areas. Ti3C2Tx MXene was synthesized from Ti3AlC2 MAX phases, and its thiol functionalization was achieved using 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane. The prepared AuNPs-S-Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposite was characterized using FESEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the nanocomposite was examined using CV, EIS, DPV, and LSV. The AuNPs-S-Ti3C2Tx MXene/SPCE showed higher electrochemical performances towards CIPF oxidation than a conventional AuNPs-Ti3C2Tx MXene/SPCE. Under the optimized DPV and LSV conditions, the developed nonenzymatic CIPF sensor displayed a wide range of detection concentrations from 0.50 to 143 μM (DPV) and from 0.99 to 206 μM (LSV) with low detection limits of 0.124 μM (DPV) and 0.171 μM (LSV), and high sensitivities of 0.0863 μA/μM (DPV) and 0.2182 μA/μM (LSV).

Preparation of Ti3AlC2 MAX-phase as a precursor material using industrial waste carbon flex for MXene synthesis

MAX phase represents a new class of solids that combine some of the best attributes of metals and ceramics, exhibiting unusual, mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Further Ti3AlC2 MAX phase is exfoliated to create 2D nanosheet material called Ti3C2 MXene and both have unmatched qualities for difficult and unusual applications. The Ti3AlC2 MAX phase powder is the precursor material to synthesize the Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets, but the cost effective synthesis of Ti3AlC2 powder is still a challenging problem which ultimately decides the quality and cost of Ti3C2 MXene. In this paper, we present the novel synthesis of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase using carbon flex generated as an industrial waste from aluminum, Steel, and other metal industries in composites production. To the best of our knowledge we first time novely report the use of Industrial waste carbon flex as a base carbon material to partially replace commercial graphitic carbon powder in Ti3C2 synthesis. The effect of adding carbon flexes precursor to synthesizing Ti3AlC2 MAX phase solving many current challenges. In present work we comparatively report the physicochemical study of the MAX phase synthesized with three different carbon precursors to establish the role of industrial waste carbon flex in the quantitative growth of Ti3C2MXene as the final product.

Exfoliation of Ti3 C2 MXene using (NH4 )2TiF6 Etchant and Simultaneous Synthesis of Ti3 C2 MXene/NH4 TiOF3 Mesocrystals Hybrids

Abstract A new single-step method is suggested to fabricate block structures consisting of NH4TiOF3 wrapped around Ti3C2 MXene (Ti3C2) by etching Ti3AlC2 MAX phase with (NH4)2TiF6. The optimal reaction conditions for Ti3AlC2 MAX phase and (NH4)2TiF6 are systematically investigated. (NH4)2TiF6 selectively etches the Al in the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase and promotes promoting the mild hydrolysis reaction of (NH4)2TiF6 to form NH4TiOF3 crystals. The exterior shapes of Ti3C2/NH4TiOF3 hybrids can be tuned by adjusting the reagent concentration, reaction temperature. The phase composition, morphology and photophysical properties of the Ti3C2/NH4TiOF3 hybrids are investigated using various characterization techniques. Ti3AlC2 MAX phase reacts with (NH4)2TiF6 at 60 °C for 24 h to form hybrids which are surrounded by NH4TiOF3 crystals simultaneously with the formation of Ti3C2 nanosheet. The resulting Ti3C2/NH4TiOF3 are porous and finely structured, showing potential for various applications in biotechnology, sensing, and environmental fields. This method provides important insights into future applications of Ti3C2/NH4TiOF3 hybrids.

Investigating the microstructure and high-temperature wear resistance of TiAl/WC coating modified via scanning electron beam

In this study, TiAl/WC cladding coatings were modified to improve high-temperature wear resistance by scanning electron beam treatment. Results of the microstructure reveal that the modified coatings are composed of an α2-Ti3Al matrix, with a high density of TiC reinforced phase and Ti3AlC2 MAX phase. At a scanning speed of 6 mm/s, TiAl/WC coating exhibits superior microhardness and high-temperature wear resistance. After the wear test at 800 °C, the minimum wear volume of modified TiAl/WC coating is 0.084 mm3, which is 4.47 times smaller than that of the TC21 substrate. It is mainly attributed to the dense and uniform distribution of hard TiC with a rigid supporting role and Ti3AlC2 MAX phases with a self-lubricating effect. Furthermore, due to the effect of frictional heat, the decomposition of Ti3AlC2 promoted the formation of a dense Al2O3 protective film. The wear mechanism of modified TiAl/WC coatings exhibits a synergistic occurrence of slight adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and oxidative wear. Scanning electron beam technology shows significant potential for extending the service life of the coatings in high-temperature environments.

Synthesis of high purity Ti2AlC MAX phase by combustion method through thermal explosion mode: Optimization of process parameters & evaluation of microstructure

Obtaining high-purity MAX-phase powders is a challenging issue. Therefore, in this article, the effects of two key parameters, including mechanical activation time (1, 2, and 3 h), and preheating temperature (800 and 1000 °C) were investigated on the formation mechanism of Ti2AlC MAX phase using mechanically activated (assisted) self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (MA-SHS) combustion method through thermal explosion mode. For this aim, a powder mixture of titanium, aluminum, and carbon with a stoichiometry ratio of (2:1:1) was used. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was carried out to evaluate the effect of mechanical activation and preheating temperature of the formation temperature of the target MAX phase. Subsequently, the microstructural, phase analysis, chemical composition, and determination of surface chemical states studies were carried out through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy distribution spectroscopy (EDS) transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. DTA results illustrated that applying mechanical activation alters the formation temperature, which leads to an increase in the purity of the MAX phase. The quantitative measurements were carried out using the Rietveld method to determine the purity of the achieved MAX phase. The results indicated that samples subjected to 2 h of mechanical activation at a preheat temperature of 1000 °C exhibited to contain 96.1 % of Ti2AlC MAX phase, which is the highest value among other specimens and the lowest amount of secondary and oxide phases (3.9 % of TiC) during the combustion synthesis process compared to other samples.

Significantly enhanced electrochemical performance of Al-Ti3C2Tx MXene synthesized from Al-Ti3AlC2 MAX phase

MXenes, a type of two-dimensional nanomaterials consisting of transition metal carbides/nitrides, have emerged as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors. Especially, Ti3C2Tx MXene prepared from Ti3AlC2 MAX phase shows great application potential in flexible supercapacitors due to its facile synthesis, excellent conductivity and film-forming property. In contrast to conventional Ti3AlC2, excessive aluminum is incorporated in the synthesis process to produce Al-Ti3AlC2. In this study, Ti3AlC2 and Al-Ti3AlC2 MAX phases are used to synthesize Ti3C2Tx and Al-Ti3C2Tx MXenes, respectively, by the same method of HF:HCl etching and LiCl intercalation. The freestanding Ti3C2Tx and Al-Ti3C2Tx film electrode is separately prepared through simple vacuum filtration. The presence of excess aluminum during the Al-Ti3AlC2 synthesis facilitates to form more homogeneous grains structure with relatively larger particle sizes and an improved stoichiometric MAX phase with a Ti:C ratio closer to 3:2. The resulting Al-Ti3C2Tx nanosheets show improved oxidation resistance with relatively uniform and larger dimensions, which facilitate the higher conductivity with slightly increased interlayer spacing for the Al-Ti3C2Tx film. Therefore, the Al-Ti3C2Tx film electrode shows more efficient ions transport and charge transfer, and thus achieves significantly enhanced capacitance (399 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and rate performance (63.6 % retention from 1 to 10 A g−1) compared to the Ti3C2Tx film electrode (342 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, 55.6 % retention from 1 to 10 A g−1). Moreover, the Al-Ti3C2Tx-based flexible sandwiched supercapacitor also exhibits superior energy storage performance. The impressive results indicate that Al-Ti3C2Tx MXene synthesized from Al-Ti3AlC2 MAX phase possesses the great application potential in flexible supercapacitors.

Box-Behnken design optimization of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets as a microwave-absorbing catalyst for methylene blue dye degradation

The 2D MXene Ti3C2Tx was synthesized from the precursor MAX phase Ti3AlC2 by etching the Al layer using hydrofluoric acid. Different Characterization techniques were employed to investigate the properties of the synthesized Ti3C2Tx. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under microwave irradiation in the presence of the prepared 2D MXene was studied. It was found that the synthesized Ti3C2Tx was an excellent microwave catalyst for MB dye degradation, and results obtained were promising. Using this approach, the dye was almost wholly degraded with a degradation efficiency of 99.85 % in only 10 min without adding any oxidant. The degradation was found to follow the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the rate constants obtained varied from 0.10 and reached up to 0.67 min−1. The effect of pH, initial MB concentration and catalyst dosage on the MB dye degradation rate has been studied. It was found that carrying out the reaction at pH values ranging from 2 to 10 did not obviously affect its rate. On the other hand, lower initial MB dye concentrations and higher catalyst dosages significantly increased the degradation rate. The high degradation efficiency was found to be maintained for up to five successive catalytic cycles, ensuring the high stability of the synthesized 2D MXene Ti3C2Tx as a catalyst. Optimization of parameters affecting the degradation process was studied using response surface methodology (RSM). According to the Box-Behnken design, the optimal degradation efficiency (99.92 %) could be achieved by adding 21.24 mg of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene catalyst and using an initial MB dye concentration of 53.06 ppm (mg/L) during a reaction time of 11.93 min.

Spark plasma sintering of Ti2AlC/TiC MAX-phase based composite ceramic materials and study of their electrochemical characteristics

A novel method for obtaining the MAX phase Ti2AlC from TiC, Al4C3, and Ti precursors has been demonstrated, involving activation of the mixture in a high-energy ball mill (HEBM) followed by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The phase composition, mechanical characteristics, surface microstructure, and electrochemical behavior in neutral media (0.1 M Na2SO4) of heterogeneous composite ceramic materials TiC/Ti2AlC were studied as a function of sintering temperature (1200–1400 °C). SPS at 1200 °C yields materials with a relative density of 94.42 % and Ti2AlC mass content up to 57 %. These composite materials exhibit capacitive behavior according to cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data, with a capacitance of 73 mF/g, suggesting their potential application as lead-free ceramic capacitors. Further increase in sintering temperature (1300–1400 °C) leads to increased electrical resistance and enhanced sample homogeneity.

Cost-Effective Synthesis of MXene Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) for Heavy Metal Removal.

Background Environmental contamination resulting from the release of untreated industrial wastewater has emerged as a critical worldwide issue. These effluents frequently have high levels of heavy metals and antibiotics, which are bad for aquatic ecosystems and human health. Oftentimes, conventional wastewater treatment techniques fall short of effectively eliminating these pollutants. Innovative materials that may efficiently absorb or break down contaminants from contaminated water sources are, therefore, desperately needed. Hydrothermally produced MXene cadmium sulfide (CdS) composites have shown great promise as an adsorbent material because of their special qualities, which include high surface area, chemical stability, and customizable surface functions that improve their adsorption capacity for heavy metals and antibiotics alike. Aim The aim of this study is to produce MXene-CdS nanoparticles in a cost-effective method for the simultaneous removal of heavy metals from aqueous contaminants for water pollution control. Methods and materials MXenes were synthesized by selectively etching Ti3AlC2 MAX-phase ceramics using aqueous HF. CdS nanoparticles were synthesized separately and integrated with MXenes via a hydrothermal process. The resulting MXene CdS nanocomposites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology, energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) for elemental composition, X-ray diffraction(XRD) study for phase identification, and removal of heavy metals viaMXene CdS. Results Consistent distribution of CdS nanoparticles on the MXene surface and the creation of MXene CdS nanomembranes with a well-defined shape were observed by SEM analysis. Ti, C, Cd, and S elements, indiciaries of a successful composite formation, were confirmed to be present by EDS. The crystalline structure of both the MXene and CdS phases was confirmed by the distinctive peaks seen in the XRD patterns. MXene-CdS composites facilitate the effective removal of chromium ions from contaminated water. The excellent hydrophilicity of the produced nanomembrane allowed for effective interaction with watery contaminants. Conclusion This study showcases the successful synthesis and characterization of MXene-CdS nanocomposites for environmental remediation, particularly in removing toxic metals like chromium from industrial effluents. SEM analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of CdS nanoparticles on the MXene surface, while elemental composition validated their integration. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structures of both components. The nanocomposite exhibited excellent hydrophilicity, enhancing the efficient adsorption of heavy metals. Its large surface area and chemical stability contribute to high adsorption efficiency, making it ideal for wastewater treatment. The scalable synthesis process supports practical applications. This research highlights MXene-CdS nanocomposites as a cost-effective, sustainable solution for water pollution control.

Facile synthesis of Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets using aryl diazonium tetrafluoroborate for multiple applications

The development of an HF-free and environmentally benign method for etching the middle aluminum layer (Al) from the Ti3AlC2-MAX phase is a challenging task in titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene synthesis. Herein, we designed a diazonium salt-based ultrasonic method to prepare MXene. We have explored 4-carboxy benzene diazonium tetrafluoroborate (4-CBDF) as a delaminating agent, which can dissolve the Al layer directly from the MAX phase. 4-carboxy benzene diazonium (4-CBD+) ion promotes the intercalation as well as exfoliation simultaneously during the etching of the MAX phase and directly results in Ti3C2Txnanosheets without undergoing any additional delamination process. Synthesized MXene nanosheets show excellent photothermal performance with a conversion efficiency of 59 %. This MXene-coated GC electrode exhibits the highest capacitance of 1133 F/g at a current density 1 A/g, which maintains a retention capacitance of 91% even after 10,000 GCD cycles. The present method provides a fundamental insight into the development of MXene-based next-generation photothermal materials and supercapacitors.

Microstructure evolution and tribological properties over a wide temperature range of Ni-based composite coatings with Ti3AlC2 addition

Ni60A alloy powders doped with varying concentrations (0, 10 wt% and 20 wt%) of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase were coated on S31008 NiCr stainless steel substrate using atmosphere plasma spraying technique in this work. Comparative investigation was conducted to examine the effects of Ti3AlC2 additions on the microstructure evolution, microhardness, and wide temperature range (room temperature to 800 oC) tribological performance of the composite coatings. The findings demonstrated that the composite coatings were composed of γ-Ni, intermetallic hard metal borides, Ti3AlC2 and TiC phases, without any noticeable oxide phases. The 20 wt% Ti3AlC2 additions to the Ni60A alloy coating exhibited minimum imperfections in microstructure with a porosity drop of 65.8 %, and the highest microhardness which was enhanced by 64 % to 924 HV0.515. After introducing of Ti3AlC2, the coefficient of friction decreased and appeared to distinguish itself by remaining minimal and stable at low-medium temperatures compared with an increase of more than 70 % at high temperatures. Ni60A-10 wt% Ti3AlC2 coating resulted in the lowest friction coefficient of approximately 0.45 from room temperature to 400 oC and it peaked to 0.78 at 800 oC, reducing by 19.6 % and 6 % compared to non-composite coating, respectively. The wear resistance of the composite coating was considerably improved with the increment of Ti3AlC2, and the coating with 20 wt% Ti3AlC2 showed the most significant reduction in wear rate: 18.5 % at room temperature, 45.2 % at 200 oC, 37.2 % at 400 oC, 60 % at 600 oC, 90.8 % at 800 oC. The lubricate layered Ti3AlC2 phases and the tribo-oxide film predominate composed of derivative NiO, Cr2O3 Al2O3 and TiO2 played a critical role in antifriction and wear resistance. The wear mechanisms were accordingly conducted as abrasion and adhesion wear at low-medium temperature and transferred into tribo-oxidation wear at elevated temperature.

Synergistic effects on dielectric and complex impedance properties in Ti3AlC2 MAX phase‐infused PVDF‐HFP/PMMA nanocomposites

AbstractA simple solution casting technique was used to formulate films of polyvinylidenefluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, and Ti3AlC2 MAX phase polymer nanocomposites (PPT) with different filler content. The functional groups present in the PPT films were studied using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the nature of crystallinity was observed using X‐ray diffraction technique. The morphology of the films was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The thermal analysis was done using the thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetry analysis. The tensile behavior of the prepared films was studied from the stress‐strain graphs. The ultraviolet–visible spectra revealed their optical characteristics. The dielectric parameters of the polymer blend and nanocomposite films like dielectric constant, loss tangent, AC conductivity, and complex impedance spectroscopy with corresponding equivalent circuits were studied. A comparative study of the above parameters was done for both the polymer blend and nanocomposites to find out the advancement in the properties of the prepared nanocomposite compared with the polymer blend. The nanocomposite film having 3 wt% of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase filler loading exhibited the best properties among all the nanocomposites. The enhanced dielectric properties of the nanocomposites with mechanical and thermal resistance can be used for real‐time efficient energy storage applications.

Scalable synthesis of 2D-layered Ti3C2 MXene by HF etching method; electrochemical investigations and device fabrication to enhancing capacitive nature

The goal of the current effort is aimed to synthesise the uniform exfoliated titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXene sheets by utilising hydrofluoric (HF) acid to remove/etch “aluminium” from the parental Ti3AlC2 MAX phase. The Ti3C2 MXene was investigated by structural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Higher Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and EDS with mapping for morphological and elemental analysis, Moreover, the Ti3C2 MXene was studied its electrochemical properties to electrochemical energy storage application using cyclic voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Since the GCD analysis of Ti3C2 MXene, a great specific capacitance (Csp) of 318F/g was attained with current density of 1 A/g and up to 90 % retentivity was attained after 7500 cycles. Besides, fabricated Ti3C2 MXene||Ti3C2-MXene symmetric supercapacitor device (SSD) has described the energy density (ED) of 27.78 Wh/kg at a power density (PD) of 400 W/kg and the capacitive retention existed attained 92.1 % after 7500 cycles with 5 A/g.

Maximizing Potential Applications of MAX Phases: Sustainable Synthesis of Multielement Ti3AlC2.

This study employs the molten-salt-shielded method to dope the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase with Nb and Mo, aiming to expand the intrinsic potential of the material. X-ray diffraction confirms the preservation of the hexagonal lattice structure of Ti3AlC2, while Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses reveal the successful incorporation of dopants with subtle yet significant alterations in the vibrational modes and chemical environment. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy characterizations illustrate the characteristic layered morphology and uniform dopant distribution. Density functional theory simulations provide insights into the modified electronic structure, displaying changes in carrier transport mechanisms and potential increases in metallic conductivity, particularly when doping occurs at both the M and A sites. The computational findings are corroborated by the experimental results, suggesting that the enhanced material may possess improved properties for electronic applications. This comprehensive approach not only expands the MAX phase family but also tailors its functionality, which could allow for the production of hybrid materials with novel functionalities not present in the pristine form.

Pressureless sintering kinetics analysis of Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC powdered MAX phases

This paper reports the pressureless sintering behavior and the activation energy of the powdered MAX phases Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC. A non-isothermal technique was used to determine the sintering kinetic parameter. The Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC MAX phases showed the maximum sintering rate at 1723 K, 0.14 and 0.10 µm/s, respectively. The sintering rate of the sample at different temperatures followed a cubic equation which was determined. The sintering activation energy (Ea) for the Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC samples was 362.1 kJ/mol and 640.3 kJ/mol, respectively.