Green Synthesis and Optimization of MXene-Carbon Composites for Capacitor and Battery Applications

<b>MXenes, notably Ti₃C₂ (Titanium Carbide), have garnered a lot of attention in areas of energy storage since its inception. Different synthesis methods of MXenes are still a topic of research as producing the 2D material in mass is a challenge due to reagents involved in the MAX to MXene transition. Another common problem with MXene synthesis is that it often requires harsh chemicals or high temperatures which can have safety issues and obstruct large scale manufacturing of this material. We have developed a renewable way to synthesize an MXene-carbon composite material that can be utilized in a capacitor or as an anode in a battery application. The material’s high electrical conductivity also gives the possibility of making free standing electrodes for a battery or capacitor application which could lead to a new generation of higher energy density batteries. Our sol-gel synthesis method utilizes green precursors such as mono-saccarides and is scalable for later applications. We have created a functional Mo₂C (Molybdenum Carbide) carbon composite and demonstrated its capacity to intercalate Li ions. We are planning to optimize the material by improving the purity of the material with post processing for better capacity as well as maximizing the active MXene material in the final powder product. We also aim to create V₂C (Vanadium Carbide) and W₂C (Tungsten Carbide) carbon composites in the future and demonstrate these materials' capacity to serve as Li anodes and electrode capacitors as well. We will be doing XRD and SEM to do further material characterization and analysis, and EIS and CV testing for electrochemical analysis as well.</b>