Synthesis of two-dimensional molybdenum carbide, Mo2C, from the gallium based atomic laminate MO2Ga2C

We report on the synthesis of a two-dimensional transition metal carbide, MO2C, (MXene) obtained by immersing Mo2Ga2C thin films in hydrofluoric acid. Experimental evidences for neither synthesis of a Mo-based MXene nor selective etching of Ga from an atomic nanolaminate have previously been presented. MXene formation is verified through X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This discovery unlocks new potential applications for Mo-based MXenes in a host of applications, from thermoelectrics to catalysis and energy storage. (C) 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.