Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
10:15
Solar-Driven Electrochemical Green Fuel Production from CO2 and Water Using Ti3C2Tx MXene-Supported CuZn and NiCo Catalysts
Published on: November 7, 2025
Misfortune Begets Fortune? Tailoring Facets in the MXene Oxidation Process for a Sensitive and Recyclable SERS
Xin Liu1,2,3, Yiting Sun1,2, Lijie Wang1,2
1Shenzhen Research Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Sanhang Science & Technology Building, No. 45th, Gaoxin South ninth Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City518057, P. R. China.
Nano Letters
|July 14, 2026
Summary
This study engineered hybrid Ti₃C₂-TiO₂ substrates using crystal surface engineering, significantly enhancing Raman spectroscopy (SERS) activity and stability for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- MXenes exhibit low Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) activity and poor environmental stability, hindering their use as universal substrates.
- Noble metal substrates are widely used but expensive and have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel crystal surface engineering technique for MXene-based substrates.
- To enhance the SERS activity and environmental stability of Ti₃C₂ MXene.
- To create a cost-effective and stable alternative to noble metal SERS substrates.
Main Methods:
- Customizing the exposed surface of TiO₂ during the oxidation of Ti₃C₂ MXene.
- Fabricating hybrid Ti₃C₂-TiO₂ substrates.
- Characterizing the structural, electronic, and SERS properties of the hybrid substrates.
Main Results:
- Optimized Ti₃C₂-TiO₂ substrate exhibited a narrower bandgap and higher density of states.
- Achieved a 5.52 × 10⁴ times higher SERS signal compared to fresh Ti₃C₂.
- Demonstrated excellent environmental stability with no signal drop over 180 days.
- The heterostructure and Schottky barrier facilitated efficient photogenerated electron-hole separation, enabling substrate recycling with 92.7% degradation of MeB in 80 min.
Conclusions:
- Crystal surface engineering of MXenes can significantly improve SERS performance and stability.
- The hybrid Ti₃C₂-TiO₂ substrate offers a promising platform for SERS applications.
- This approach provides a pathway for developing advanced, stable, and highly active SERS substrates.
