MXenes with ordered triatomic-layer borate polyanion terminations

Abstract

Surface terminations profoundly influence the intrinsic properties of MXenes, but existing terminations are limited to monoatomic layers or simple groups, showing disordered arrangements and inferior stability. Here we present the synthesis of MXenes with triatomic-layer borate polyanion terminations (OBO terminations) through a flux-assisted eutectic molten etching approach. During the synthesis, Lewis acidic salts act as the etching agent to obtain the MXene backbone, while borax generates BO₂^- species, which cap the MXene surface with an O-B-O configuration. In contrast to conventional chlorine/oxygen-terminated Nb₂C with localized charge transport, OBO-terminated Nb₂C features band transport described by the Drude model, exhibiting a 15-fold increase in electrical conductivity and a 10-fold improvement in charge mobility at the d.c. limit. This transition is attributed to surface ordering that effectively mitigates charge carrier backscattering and trapping. Additionally, OBO terminations provide Ti₃C₂ MXene with substantially enriched Li⁺-hosting sites and thereby a large charge-storage capacity of 420 mAh g^-1. Our findings illustrate the potential of intricate termination configurations in MXenes and their applications for (opto)electronics and energy storage.