Stabilizing Ti3C2Tx by Chelation in Copper Ion Solution

Abstract

MXenes attract interest in diverse fields but suffer from fast structural degradation in aqueous solutions and even worse in the presence of transition metal ions. This hinders the storage of MXenes and the preparation of MXene-based composites. Here, we report an efficient way to stabilize Ti₃C₂T_x MXene in the presence of Cu²⁺ in aqueous solution by chelation chemistry using trisodium citrate dihydrate (SC). Furthermore, a BiCuS_1.5/Ti₃C₂T_x composite was successfully prepared with SC, during which Ti₃C₂T_x is more stable than that without additives. The results show that the stabilization of Ti₃C₂T_x is beneficial in utilizing the synergistic advantages of Ti₃C₂T_x and metal compounds for zinc ion batteries. This work provides a simple paradigm for enhancing the antioxidation of MXene at room and high temperatures in water in the presence of transition metal ions, opening new prospects for MXene applications.