• Nano-Micro Letters
  • Vol. 16, Issue 1, 084 (2024)
Muhammad Hilal1,2, Woochul Yang1,*, Yongha Hwang2,**, and Wanfeng Xie1,3,***
Author Affiliations
  • 1Department of Physics, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
  • 2Department of Control and Instrumentation Engineering, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
  • 3School of Electronics & Information, University- Industry Joint Center for Ocean Observation and Broadband Communication, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
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    DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01316-x Cite this Article
    Muhammad Hilal, Woochul Yang, Yongha Hwang, Wanfeng Xie. Tailoring MXene Thickness and Functionalization for Enhanced Room-Temperature Trace NO2 Sensing[J]. Nano-Micro Letters, 2024, 16(1): 084 Copy Citation Text show less

    Abstract

    In this study, precise control over the thickness and termination of Ti3C2TX MXene flakes is achieved to enhance their electrical properties, environmental stability, and gas-sensing performance. Utilizing a hybrid method involving high-pressure processing, stirring, and immiscible solutions, sub-100 nm MXene flake thickness is achieved within the MXene film on the Si-wafer. Functionalization control is achieved by defunctionalizing MXene at 650 °C under vacuum and H2 gas in a CVD furnace, followed by refunctionalization with iodine and bromine vaporization from a bubbler attached to the CVD. Notably, the introduction of iodine, which has a larger atomic size, lower electronegativity, reduce shielding effect, and lower hydrophilicity (contact angle: 99°), profoundly affecting MXene. It improves the surface area (36.2 cm2 g-1), oxidation stability in aqueous/ambient environments (21 days/80 days), and film conductivity (749 S m-1). Additionally, it significantly enhances the gas-sensing performance, including the sensitivity (0.1119 Ω ppm-1), response (0.2% and 23% to 50 ppb and 200 ppm NO2), and response/recovery times (90/100 s). The reduced shielding effect of the –I-terminals and the metallic characteristics of MXene enhance the selectivity of I-MXene toward NO2. This approach paves the way for the development of stable and high-performance gas-sensing two-dimensional materials with promising prospects for future studies.
    Muhammad Hilal, Woochul Yang, Yongha Hwang, Wanfeng Xie. Tailoring MXene Thickness and Functionalization for Enhanced Room-Temperature Trace NO2 Sensing[J]. Nano-Micro Letters, 2024, 16(1): 084
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