Eco-friendly layered carbide synthesis from renewable precursors for energy storage applications

MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional materials, exhibit considerable potential across diverse applications, including energy storage, electronics, and catalysis. Traditionally, MXenes are synthesized via the etching of MAX phase materials. This process involves using hydrofluoric acid (HF) and results in the generation of hazardous fluoride by-products. This method is both cost-prohibitive and environmentally detrimental due to the toxic waste produced. A scalable and eco-friendly sol-gel synthesis method has been developed in response to these challenges, utilizing renewable resources such as saccharides and transition metal salts. This approach allows for producing layered transition metal carbides with controlled purities and crystal structures, thus significantly minimizing waste generation. This study focuses on synthesizing Mo₂C, tungsten carbides, and vanadium carbonitrides using this method, intending to reduce production costs and advance the layered metal carbides field for energy storage applications. The findings suggest a promising pathway toward sustainable and cost-effective production of layered metal carbides, fostering further innovation and application in this burgeoning field.