Organic quaternary phosphonium salts intercalated MXene towards controllable amphiphilicity and dispersions

• 1. Ti 3 C 2 was intercalated by quaternary phosphonium salt with different structure. • 2. The modified Ti 3 C 2 show controllable dispersions in different organic solvents. • 3. The thermal stability of Ti 3 C 2 was significantly improved after the intercalation. Two-dimensional Ti 3 C 2 has drawn widespread academic interest in several fields due to its unique physicochemical properties. However, its poor dispersion in organic solvents and easily oxidized in aqueous solution pose a challenge to storage and application. Herein, we intercalated Ti 3 C 2 with a series of quaternary phosphonium salts (QPS) for turning amphiphilicity, thus controlling its dispersion in organic solvents. The effect of molecular structure of QPS on the dispersion of modified Ti 3 C 2 was investigated, including chain type and length. The results showed that the thermal stability and dispersion in organic solvents of Ti 3 C 2 were remarkably enhanced after being intercalated with QPS containing a longer chain. This strategy may pave a new way for rationally designing Ti 3 C 2 with high stability and dispersion and enriching its application.