Enhanced optical limiting properties in short wavebands: a comparative study of Ti₃AlCN and Ti₃CN nanosheets

In this work, Ti₃CN powder was successfully synthesized using Ti₃AlCN as a precursor. Both materials were processed into nanosheets via liquid-phase exfoliation. Using the open- and closed-aperture Z-scan technique, we conducted the first comparative study of the broadband nonlinear absorption properties of Ti₃AlCN and Ti₃CN nanosheets, covering the spectrum from deep ultraviolet (DUV) to near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. The results revealed that both nanosheets exhibit notably higher two-photon absorption coefficients in the DUV band, indicating their significant potential as optical limiting materials for short-waveband applications. Also, the band gap structure of the nanosheets was analyzed using density functional theory. This comparative study underscores the significant potential and value of both Ti₃AlCN and Ti₃CN nanosheets for broadband nonlinear applications.