Hierarchical utilization of raw Ti3C2Tx MXene for fast preparation of various Ti3C2Tx MXene derivatives

Due to easy re-stacking, low yield of few-layered MXenes (f-MXenes), the applications of MXenes are mainly restricted in multi-layered MXenes (m-MXenes) state. Although f-MXenes can be prepared from m-MXenes, after exfoliation process, a mass of sediments which are still essentially compact MXenes are usually directly discarded, leading to low utilization of raw m-MXenes. Herein, a classified preparation strategy is adopted to exploit the raw m-MXenes and traditional MXenes sediments, taking multi-layered Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene as an example. Via rational delamination and subsequent treatment to Ti 3 C 2 T x sediments, we succeed in achieving classified and large-scale preparation of various Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene derivatives, including few-layered Ti 3 C 2 T x (f-Ti 3 C 2 T x ) powders, f-Ti 3 C 2 T x films, and Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene-derived nanowires with heterostructure of potassium titanate and Ti 3 C 2 T x . We demonstrate the necessity of “step-by-step delamination” towards traditional Ti 3 C 2 T x sediments to improve the yield of f-Ti 3 C 2 T x from 15% to 72%; the feasibility of “solution-phase flocculation (SPF)” to fundamentally solve the re-stacking phenomenon, and oxidation degradation issues of f-Ti 3 C 2 T x during storage; as well as the convenience of SPF to deal with time-consuming issues of fabricating Ti 3 C 2 T x films. What’s more, alkali-heat treatment of final Ti 3 C 2 T x sediments turns waste into treasure of Ti 3 C 2 T x -derived nanowires, leading to 100% utilization of raw Ti 3 C 2 T x . The content of one-dimensional (1D) nanowires in the hybrids can be adjusted by controlling alkalization time. The 3D architecture heterostructure composed of 1D nanowires and 2D nanosheets exhibits gorgeous application potential. This work can expand preparation and application of various MXenes derivatives, promoting process of various MXenes.