MXene synthesis in a semi-continuous 3D-printed PVDF flow reactor†

Abstract

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides known as MXenes represent a promising class of functional materials for electrochemical energy storage, catalysis, electromagnetic shielding, and optoelectronics. Typical synthesis methods require highly concentrated acids and HF-containing or HF-forming chemicals, under batch conditions. Environmentally friendly, safe, efficient, and scalable synthesis methods for MXenes have been identified as the number one research challenge for MXene research over the next decade. Here we use flow chemistry to present a semi-continuous synthesis of Ti₃C₂T_z in a custom 3D-printed reactor. The synthesis is safer and is the first step towards scalable methods, yielding fully etched MXenes with better removal of Al from the starting MAX phase compared to the equivalent batch procedure.