Najma Khatoon1,Binod Subedi1,Ahmad Majed1,Julie Albert1,Michael Naguib1,Douglas Chrisey1
Tulane University1
Najma Khatoon1,Binod Subedi1,Ahmad Majed1,Julie Albert1,Michael Naguib1,Douglas Chrisey1
Tulane University1
2D layered materials are promising candidates for synthesizing materials with customizable properties contributing from each layer. Enhanced electrical, mechanical, thermal and optical properties by tailoring the layers makes layered materials highly versatile and adaptable for various applications. MXenes are one such example of 2D layered materials class. Their high conductivity, excellent chemical stability, good mechanical properties, tunable surface chemistry, large specific area, and ability to integrate with other materials makes them an excellent customizable layered material. Titanium carbide (Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2 </sub>-T<sub>x</sub>) MXene, where T<sub>x</sub> are surface terminations, have high conductivity, and excellent Li-ion diffusion properties. Intercalation of ions/molecules in Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2 </sub>layers is one route to enhance its electrochemical properties. Silicon-based nanomaterials are promising candidates for intercalation due to due to their higher theoretical specific capacity.<br/>In this work, we intercalated PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) in Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2 </sub>with initial d-spacing ~1 nm. Intercalation of PDMS resulted in increase of d-spacing from 1 nm to ~12 nm. The intercalated PDMS was converted into silica (SiO<sub>2</sub>) by processing it through a unique process of photonic curing. Our results showed that after photonic curing the d-spacing changed from 12 nm to ~ 5 nm. The PulseForge parameters were 450 V bank voltage 7 pulses, and ~ 4 Jcm<sup>-2</sup> per pulse fluence. Furthermore, we cured the intercalated MXene under controlled pressure and in a different gas environment. Results showed a less oxidation rate of MXenes when cured under controlled pressure. The stability of reversible electrochemical reactions was observed in the cyclic voltammetry of MXene intercalated within cured PDMS, indicating the enduring nature of these reactions throughout repeated cycling. This study demonstrates the potential of photonic curing as a cost-effective and scalable method for synthesizing customizable layered materials with precise control over the nanostructure within the layers. The process offers an instantaneous and roll-to-roll compatible approach for large-scale synthesis.