Predicting chemical exfoliation: fundamental insights into the synthesis of MXenes

Abstract

Abstract The factors controlling the top-down synthesis of MXenes, by selectively removing the A elements from parent MAX phases, is still under debate. In particular, understanding why some MAX phases can be used for creating MXenes, while others cannot, is of immense interest and would greatly support computational screening and identification of new two-dimensional materials that could also be created by chemical exfoliation. Here we computationally study the etching of MAX phases in hydrofluoric acid, considering the complete exfoliation process and competing processes during the initial steps of the synthesis. The results are compared to experiments and MAX phases successfully converted to MXenes, as well as so far unsuccessful attempts, including previously unpublished experimental data, rationalizing why some MAX phases are exfoliable while others are not. Our results provide an improved understanding of the synthesis of MXenes under acid conditions, anticipated to be vital for our ability to discover novel two-dimensional materials.