Guidelines for Synthesis and Processing of Two-Dimensional Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2Tx MXene)

Two-dimensional\n(2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (MXenes)\nwere discovered in 2011. Since the original discovery, more than 20\ndifferent compositions have been synthesized by the selective etching\nof MAX phase and other precursors and many more theoretically predicted.\nThey offer a variety of different properties, making the family promising\ncandidates in a wide range of applications, such as energy storage,\nelectromagnetic interference shielding, water purification, electrocatalysis,\nand medicine. These solution-processable materials have the potential\nto be highly scalable, deposited by spin, spray, or dip coating, painted\nor printed, or fabricated in a variety of ways. Due to this promise,\nthe amount of research on MXenes has been increasing, and methods\nof synthesis and processing are expanding quickly. The fast evolution\nof the material can also be noticed in the wide range of synthesis\nand processing protocols that determine the yield of delamination,\nas well as the quality of the 2D flakes produced. Here we describe\nthe experimental methods and best practices we use to synthesize the\nmost studied MXene, titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂T_<i>x</i>), using different etchants and delamination\nmethods. We also explain effects of synthesis parameters on the size\nand quality of Ti₃C₂T_<i>x</i> and suggest the optimal processes for the desired application.