The discovery of MXenes has opened a new frontier in two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. First reported in 2011, MXenes are synthesized by selectively etching the A-element from layered ternary carbides/nitrides called MAX phases. The resulting materials, with the general formula Mₙ₊₁XₙTₓ (where M is an early transition metal, X is carbon/nitrogen, and Tₓ represents surface terminations such as –OH, –O, and –F), combine metallic conductivity with the layered, tunable chemistry of 2D materials.

Among the most studied MXenes is Titanium Carbide (Ti₂CTx). Supplied as a multi-layer powder with 98+% purity and particle size of 2–20 µm, Ti₂CTx MXene offers a process-ready material for energy storage, catalysis, electronics, sensing, and biomedical engineering.

This blog provides a comprehensive 2000-word review of Ti₂CTx: what it is, how it is made, why it’s important, where it is being applied today, and what the future holds.

1. MXenes: Background

1.1 Origin

MXenes are derived from MAX phases (Mₙ₊₁AXₙ), where A (typically Al or Si) is etched out. For Ti₂CTx, the parent MAX phase is Ti₂AlC, a layered carbide.

1.2 General Formula

• MXenes: Mₙ₊₁XₙTₓ

• Example: Ti₂CTx (M = Ti, X = C, Tₓ = surface terminations).

1.3 Why MXenes Matter

• Combine the conductivity of metals with the chemistry of 2D surfaces.

• Tunable surface terminations (–OH, –O, –F) expand their utility.

• Broad application base: from supercapacitors to biomedical devices.

2. Multi-Layer Ti₂CTx MXene

2.1 Structure

• Core material: Titanium carbide layers.

• Surface terminations (Tₓ): –OH, –F, –O introduced during etching.

• Multi-layer morphology: Stacked, accordion-like particles, 2–20 µm lateral size.

2.2 Powder Form (98+%, 2–20 µm)

• Purity: 98+% ensures consistent performance.

• Size: Micro-sized particles allow processing into films, inks, slurries, and composites.

• Form: Multi-layer (not delaminated single flakes), offering high bulk conductivity and easy handling.

3. Synthesis

3.1 Parent MAX Phase

• Starting material: Ti₂AlC.

3.2 Etching

• Selective removal of Al layers with HF or fluoride salts (e.g., LiF + HCl).

• Produces accordion-like multilayer MXene with Ti₂C sheets terminated by –O, –OH, –F groups.

3.3 Delamination

• Multilayer powder can be further exfoliated into few-layer nanosheets using sonication or intercalation agents.

• For many bulk uses (electrodes, composites), multi-layer powder is sufficient.

4. Properties of Ti₂CTx

4.1 Electrical

• High conductivity (>2000 S/cm in films).

• Useful for electrodes, sensors, shielding.

4.2 Mechanical

• Layered flexibility.

• High strength compared to graphite-based materials.

4.3 Thermal

• Good heat conductivity and stability.

• Useful in thermal interface materials (TIMs).

4.4 Chemical

• Surface groups provide hydrophilicity.

• Dispersible in water and polar solvents.

• Amenable to functionalization for composites and biomedical uses.

4.5 Optical

• Tunable plasmonic absorption.

• Promising for photothermal and optoelectronic applications.

5. Applications of Ti₂CTx MXene

5.1 Energy Storage

Supercapacitors

• High conductivity and ion-accessible surface → high capacitance.

• Delivers fast charge/discharge and cycling stability.

Batteries

• Anode material for Li-ion, Na-ion, and beyond.

• High-rate capability due to layered structure.

Electrocatalysis

• Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

• Oxygen reduction/evolution (ORR, OER).

• Alternative to expensive noble metals.

5.2 Electronics and Electromagnetics

EMI Shielding

• Ti₂CTx absorbs and reflects electromagnetic radiation.

• Lightweight alternative to metals for shielding enclosures.

Conductive Films and Inks

• Used in printed electronics.

• Transparent conductive films possible after delamination.

Sensors

• Gas sensing (NH₃, NO₂, VOCs).

• Biosensing (glucose, DNA).

5.3 Biomedical Applications

Drug Delivery

• Surface functionalization enables cargo loading.

• Responsive to stimuli (pH, light).

Photothermal Therapy

• Strong NIR absorption for cancer therapy.

Biosensors

• Ti₂CTx-based electrodes detect biomolecules with high sensitivity.

Biocompatibility

• Preliminary studies show relatively low cytotoxicity, but further work required.

5.4 Environmental Applications

Water Purification

• Ion sieving and adsorption.

• Effective against heavy metals and dyes.

Gas Capture

• CO₂ adsorption.

• Hydrogen storage potential.

5.5 Structural Composites

• Reinforcement in polymers for conductivity and mechanical strength.

• Coatings for wear resistance and corrosion protection.

6. Current Research

6.1 Tailoring Surface Terminations

• Modifying ratios of –O, –F, –OH changes electronic and catalytic properties.

6.2 Hybrid Composites

• MXene–graphene hybrids for supercapacitors.

• MXene–polymer composites for EMI shielding.

6.3 Biomedical Frontiers

• Functionalized Ti₂CTx for targeted cancer therapy.

• MXene hydrogels for wound healing and tissue engineering.

6.4 Scaling Up

• Work on safe, HF-free etching routes.

• Roll-to-roll MXene films for industrial use.

7. Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• High conductivity (metal-like).

• Hydrophilic surface → easy processing.

• Layered morphology → ion storage and transport.

• Versatility across energy, electronics, and biomedicine.

Limitations

• Stability in humid environments (oxidation risk).

• Cost and safety of synthesis (HF hazards).

• Scale-up challenges for commercial products.

8. Future Outlook

Ti₂CTx MXene is a rising star among nanomaterials. Its versatility across energy storage, shielding, catalysis, and biomedicine makes it a key player in next-generation technologies. Ongoing research focuses on:

• Oxidation-resistant MXene derivatives.

• Safer, scalable synthesis routes.

• Industrial integration in batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors.

• 2D MXene heterostructures for photonics and quantum applications.

Over the next decade, Ti₂CTx and related MXenes are expected to transition from academic labs to commercial energy devices, biomedical platforms, and advanced composites.

Conclusion

Multi-Layer Titanium Carbide (Ti₂CTx) MXene Phase Powder (98+%, 2–20 µm) is a breakthrough material at the intersection of metals, ceramics, and 2D nanomaterials. With metal-like conductivity, tunable chemistry, hydrophilicity, and strong mechanical resilience, it is uniquely suited for energy storage, shielding, catalysis, environmental remediation, and biomedical engineering.

Though challenges remain in scaling synthesis, improving stability, and ensuring safety, Ti₂CTx MXene stands as one of the most exciting nanomaterials of the 21st century—poised to shape industries from electronics to medicine.