Abstract The synthesis of MXenes is a lively area of research in today’s materials science community. Pure carbide and nitride samples with tunable properties and crystal size are desirable for the implementation of these promising young materials in the wider economy. Herein, the preparation of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase has been studied with a view to improving the quality and purity of the resultant Ti3C2 MXene. Room-temperature high-energy ball milling is exploited for the mechanical activation of elemental powder mixtures, which, along with adjusted input stoichiometry and heat treatment, achieves high-purity and highly crystalline Ti3AlC2 and Ti3C2 with rather quick and easy methodology. Several approaches are offered, as not all of these preparation steps are strictly necessary for acquiring MXene. The structure and properties of Ti3C2 are shown to depend on the preparation history and precursor characteristics. The MXene is additionally shown to perform well as a substrate for binder-free electrochemical cell electrodes; high electrical conductivity and cycling stability render this MXene@Zn anode a viable option for aqueous Zn-ion systems.

中文翻译：

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Ti3AlC2 MAX 相合成历史对所得 Ti3C2 MXenes 结构和电化学性能的影响

摘要 MXenes 的合成是当今材料科学界一个活跃的研究领域。具有可调性质和晶体尺寸的纯碳化物和氮化物样品对于在更广泛的经济中实施这些有前途的新材料是可取的。在此，研究了 Ti3AlC2 MAX 相的制备，以提高所得 Ti3C2 MXene 的质量和纯度。室温高能球磨用于元素粉末混合物的机械活化，结合调整输入化学计量和热处理，以相当快速和简单的方法获得高纯度和高结晶的 Ti3AlC2 和 Ti3C2。提供了几种方法，因为并非所有这些准备步骤都是获得 MXene 所必需的。Ti3C2 的结构和性质取决于制备历史和前体特征。MXene 还被证明作为无粘合剂电化学电池电极的基材表现良好；高导电性和循环稳定性使这种 MXene@Zn 阳极成为水性锌离子系统的可行选择。