SAIP2026

Enhanced Gas Sensing Performance of MXene-Based Materials Through Structural and Optical Engineering

7 Jul 2026, 17:20

1h 20m

Great Hall (University of the Western Cape)

Poster Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Poster Session 1

Speaker

BOIKETLO THAMAGA

Description

MXenes are 2D materials which are rapidly emerging as next-generation materials for high-performance gas sensors due to their distinctive features: exceptional conductivity, modifiable surface characteristics, tweakable energy band gap, and more active sites [1]. Recent advancements have concentrated on enhancing their sensing capabilities, selectivity, and response/recovery durations. To advance MXene research and practical application, green, scalable, and effective synthesis is essential [2]. However, in the process of delamination, complex multiple steps are still needed to achieve both selective etching and delamination [3]. Thus, in this study, we report a one-step 〖Ti〗_3 C_2 T_x MXene synthesized from 〖Ti〗_3 AlC_2 MAX phase using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES)-based on choline chloride (ChCl) and ethylenediamine etching approach [4].
The successful phase transformation, mixed surface terminations (-O,-OH,-F,or -Cl), and distinctive layered structure are demonstrated from XRD, FTIR, and SEM respectfully. The results highlight an effective synthesis method while building a new and eco-friendly etching approach for applications of future MXene-based gas sensing.

Reference
[1] Naguib M, Kurtoglu M, Presser V, Lu J, Niu J, Heon M, Hultman L, Gogotsi Y, and Barsoum M.G. Two-Dimensional Nanocrystals Produced by Exfoliation of 〖Ti〗_3 AlC_2. Adv. Mater. 23, 4248-4253 (2011).
[2] Kahkesh H and Yeganeh M. Green strategies for MXene synthesis: Toward sustainable nanomaterials and emerging applications. Result Eng. 29, 108970 (2026).
[3] Jiabin Y, Qingfu Dai, Wu H, Li Yang, Shenghui Guo, Qiuni Zhao, Ming Hou, Sridhar Komarneni, and Yi Xia. Development of Long-Term Stable MXene-Based Gas Sensing Material. Molecule. 17, 4440 (2025).
[4] Hembram L, Lakkimsetti L.P, Saumen M, Nanda S. Deep-eutectic solvent-assisted green synthesis of MAX-phase C_2 AlC and its 2D-MXene derivative C_2 CT_x towards room-temperature detection of ammonia gas. Ceram. Int. 51, 53681-53693 (2025).