Surface Functionalization of Ti3C2Tx MXene Nanosheets with Catechols: Implication for Colloidal Processing

Precise tailoring of two-dimensional nanosheets with organic molecules is critical to passivate the surface and control the reactivity, which is essential for a wide range of applications. Herein, we introduce catechols to functionalize exfoliated MXenes (Ti3C2Tx) in a colloidal suspension. Catechols react spontaneously with Ti3C2Tx surfaces, where binding is initiated from a charge-transfer complex as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) and UV–vis. Ti3C2Tx sheet interlayer spacing is increased by catechol functionalization, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while Raman and atomic force microscopy-infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) measurements indicate binding of catechols at the Ti3C2Tx surface occurs through metal–oxygen bonds, which is supported by DFT calculations. Finally, we demonstrate immobilization of a fluorescent dye on the surface of MXene. Our results establish a strategy for tailoring MXene surfaces via aqueous functionalization with catechols, whereby colloidal stability can be modified and further functionality can be introduced, which could provide excellent anchoring points to grow polymer brushes and tune specific properties.