Synthesis and Processing Strategies

With the discovery of MXenes in 2011, they have been widely explored for a myriad of applications due to their hydrophilic nature, excellent electrical conductivity, and ease of large-scale synthesis in water. The properties of the MXenes are influenced by the synthesis route adopted. The etching agents used in the synthesis of MXenes will affect the surface terminations, morphology, and structural defects. The first MXene Ti3C2 was discovered using the method of hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching. However, in the urge to discover new MXenes and avoid the use of toxic HF, new etching procedures and synthesis pathways were introduced. The synthesized MXenes can be deposited through various coating techniques and fabricated into different devices. The synthesis method also determines the yield and quality of MXenes. With the various synthesis and processing techniques reported in the literature, it is evident that MXenes are evolving rapidly. This chapter summarizes the important breakthroughs in the synthesis and processing of MXenes, which includes the latest trends in etching and delamination procedures. The effects of the etching methods on the charge storage capabilities in MXenes are further discussed.