Direct synthesis and chemical vapor deposition of 2D carbide and nitride MXenes

Two-dimensional transition-metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are a large family of materials actively studied for various applications, especially in the field of energy storage. MXenes are commonly synthesized by etching the layered ternary compounds, called MAX phases. We demonstrate a direct synthetic route for scalable and atom-economic synthesis of MXenes, including compounds that have not been synthesized from MAX phases, by the reactions of metals and metal halides with graphite, methane, or nitrogen. The direct synthesis enables chemical vapor deposition growth of MXene carpets and complex spherulite-like morphologies that form through buckling and release of MXene carpet to expose fresh surface for further reaction. The directly synthesized MXenes showed excellent energy storage capacity for lithium-ion intercalation.

Automated summary

Two-dimensional transition-metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are extensively studied materials with diverse applications in energy storage. We demonstrate a direct synthesis route for scalable and atom-economic production of MXenes, including previously unattainable compounds, by reactions of metals and metal halides with graphite, methane, or nitrogen. The directly synthesized MXenes exhibit excellent energy storage capacity for lithium-ion intercalation, and their growth can be controlled to form unique morphologies such as carpets and spherulites.