Modification of Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets with tunable properties using a post-processing method

MXenes are a family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides with many intriguing properties and applications, many of which require surface modification. Herein, as-synthesized Ti3C2 was modified using different treatments (acid and base treatments) and then characterized by a complementary combination of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and pore size distribution analysis. The results indicated that the structure and surface properties of the obtained Ti3C2 could be tuned using various treatments. The modification methods developed in this study may offer a new direction for tuning the structure and surface properties of MXenes for a wide range of applications.Graphical abstract