Electrochemically Intercalated Ti₃C₂ MXene Bulk for Expanding Interlayer Spacing and Enhancing Supercapacitor...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Tuning interlayer spacing in 2D MXenes bulk is crucial for performance.
• Existing methods include hydrothermal, physiotherapy, and ion exchange intercalation.
• Electrochemical intercalation for Ti3C2 MXene bulk remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of electrochemical intercalation for Ti3C2 MXene bulk.
• To expand the interlayer spacing of Ti3C2 MXene bulk using electrochemical methods.
• To enhance the supercapacitor performance of Ti3C2 MXene bulk.

Main Methods:

• Employed electrochemical intercalation technology.
• Embedded metal cations (K+, Na+) into the Ti3C2 MXene bulk structure.
• Characterized the expanded interlayer spacing and supercapacitor performance.

Main Results:

• Successfully expanded Ti3C2 MXene bulk interlayer spacing from ~10.50 to ~13.10 Å via K+ intercalation.
• Broadened electron/ion transport channels, enhancing supercapacitor performance.
• Achieved a 2.8-fold increase in specific capacitance and improved rate capability from 47.32% to 70.20%.

Conclusions:

• Electrochemical intercalation is a viable method for modifying Ti3C2 MXene bulk.
• Expanded interlayer spacing significantly enhances supercapacitor performance.
• This work presents a novel approach for Ti3C2 MXene bulk modification.