As MXenes become increasingly widespread, approaches
to utilize
this versatile class of 2D materials are sought. Recently, there has
been growing interest in incorporating MXenes into metal or ceramic
matrices to create advanced nanocomposites. This study presents a
facile approach of mixing MXene with ceramic particles followed by
pressure-assisted sintering to produce bulk MXene/ceramic nanocomposites.
The effect of MXene addition on the densification behavior and properties
of nanocomposites was explored through the Ti3C2T
z
/alumina model system. We discovered
that the presence of MXene altered the densification behavior and
significantly enhanced the densification rate at low temperatures.
In-depth microstructural characterization showed a homogeneous distribution
of Ti3C2T
z
MXene
at the alumina grain boundaries. The Ti3C2T
z
/alumina nanocomposites exhibited electrical
conductivity but reduced hardness. We also demonstrated that using
multilayered Ti3C2T
z
as a precursor can produce composites with plate-like TiC
x
morphology. This work provides a conceptual approach
for utilizing the diversity and versatility of MXenes in creating
tunable advanced nanocomposites.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.