Last updated: 2026-01
Material Identity
- Chemical name: Titanium carbide MXene (Ti₃C₂)
- Material class: two-dimensional transition-metal carbide (MXene family)
- Representative formula: Ti₃C₂Tx (T = surface terminations such as –O, –OH, –F)
- CAS numbers: not uniquely assigned due to surface termination variability
- Physical form: layered flake powder; may exist as stacked or partially delaminated particles
- What it is not: not graphene, not carbon black, not a metallic powder
Activation & Trigger Conditions
- Trigger: electron transport through layered carbide sheets
- Energy domain: electronic conduction and interfacial charge transfer
- Absent trigger: poor delamination or aggregation limits conductive pathways
- Insufficient condition: surface oxidation or blocked terminations reduce conductivity
- Excess condition: over-oxidation or harsh processing degrades flake integrity
Functional Role
- Provides high electrical conductivity through 2D carbide layers
- Enables interfacial charge transfer via surface terminations
- Forms percolating conductive networks at relatively low loadings
- Contributes to electromagnetic and electrochemical functionality in composites
Application Windows
- Compatible systems: polymers, coatings, inks, papers, and hybrid composites
- Loading range: formulation-dependent; no universal loading applies
- Processing notes: dispersion quality, oxidation control, and shear history strongly affect performance
Limitations & Failure Modes
- Oxidation exposure → Ti₃C₂ degradation → loss of conductivity
- Poor dispersion → flake restacking → reduced effective surface area
- Incompatible matrix chemistry → weak interfacial contact → limited network formation
Alternatives & Trade-offs
- Graphene: carbon-based conductivity with lower surface functionality
- Carbon nanotubes: one-dimensional networks with different percolation behavior
- Carbon black: isotropic filler with lower intrinsic conductivity
When to Use
- When high electrical conductivity is required at low filler loading
- When surface chemistry and interfacial interaction are important
- When two-dimensional conductive pathways are advantageous
- When processing can limit oxidation and preserve flake structure
FAQ
Is Ti₃C₂ MXene the same as graphene?
No. Ti₃C₂ is a transition-metal carbide with different electronic structure and surface chemistry.
Why does conductivity vary between batches?
Variations arise from flake size, degree of delamination, surface terminations, and oxidation level.
Is Ti₃C₂ stable in air?
It can oxidize over time, especially under moisture or heat, which affects performance.
Data
No numerical values are listed. Electrical conductivity, flake size, surface chemistry, and stability are grade- and processing-specific and must be verified experimentally.
Sources
Peer-reviewed literature on MXenes and Ti₃C₂ materials; supplier technical documentation where available.