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W-Based Atomic Laminates and Their 2D Derivative W1.33 C MXene with Vacancy Ordering.
Rahele Meshkian1, Martin Dahlqvist1, Jun Lu1
1Thin Film Physics Division, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|April 11, 2018
Summary
Novel tungsten-based MXenes were synthesized by etching new i-MAX phases. These materials show promise as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction, expanding MXene chemistry possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Atomic-level structural design enables novel chemistries in MAX phases and their derived MXenes.
- Tungsten (W) has not been previously incorporated into M elements forming MAX phases.
- Quaternary i-MAX phases with in-plane chemical order offer a new platform for MXene discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To predict and synthesize novel quaternary i-MAX phases with the general chemistry (W2/3 M21/3 )2 AC.
- To develop new tungsten (W)-based MXenes through selective etching.
- To evaluate the potential of the synthesized W-based MXene as a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Main Methods:
- Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to predict the phase stability of over 18 quaternary i-MAX compositions.
- Selective etching of Al and Sc/Y atoms from stable 3D i-MAX laminates was performed.
- Electrochemical experiments were conducted to assess catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Main Results:
- Two stable quaternary i-MAX phases, (W2/3 Sc1/3 )2 AlC and (W2/3 Y1/3 )2 AlC, with a monoclinic C2/c structure were predicted and experimentally confirmed.
- Selective etching yielded W1.33 C-based MXene sheets featuring ordered metal divacancies.
- The synthesized W-based MXene demonstrated promising catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Conclusions:
- The incorporation of W into MAX phases and the subsequent synthesis of W-based MXenes is a viable route to novel MXene chemistries.
- Etching of i-MAX phases provides a pathway to previously inaccessible MXene materials.
- This work significantly expands the potential for tuning MXene properties for diverse applications.
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