MXene-Based Ceramic Nanocomposites Enabled by Pressure-Assisted Sintering

As MXenes become increasingly widespread, approaches to utilize this versatile class of 2D materials are sought. Recently, there has been growing interest in incorporating MXenes into metal or ceramic matrices to create advanced nanocomposites. This study presents a facile approach of mixing MXene with ceramic particles followed by pressure-assisted sintering to produce bulk MXene/ceramic nanocomposites. The effect of MXene addition on the densification behavior and properties of nanocomposites was explored through the Ti₃C₂T/alumina model system. We discovered that the presence of MXene altered the densification behavior and significantly enhanced the densification rate at low temperatures. In-depth microstructural characterization showed a homogeneous distribution of Ti₃C₂T MXene at the alumina grain boundaries. The Ti₃C₂T/alumina nanocomposites exhibited electrical conductivity but reduced hardness. We also demonstrated that using multilayered Ti₃C₂T as a precursor can produce composites with plate-like TiC morphology. This work provides a conceptual approach for utilizing the diversity and versatility of MXenes in creating tunable advanced nanocomposites.