Preparation of Ti3C2TX nanosheets from a large-size MAX phase precursor for the electroconductive functionalisation of cellulose fabric

Textile material, which has always been perceived as a protective layer against weather conditions, nowadays plays a vital role in wearable electronics (smart textile-based devices/ electronic textiles), contributing to the areas of energy harvesting, energy storage, sensors, real-time monitoring of healthcare, personal thermal management, etc.Thus, the main aim of the presented research was to synthesise Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with proper structure, flake size and high capacitance using a top-down synthesis approach utilising a large-size MAX (Ti3AlC2) phase precursor (100 m) for further electroconductive functionalisation of cellulose fabric.Thus, the synthesis parameters were changed, i.e., time, temperature and concentrations of selected etchants, preparing eight stable aqueous dispersions of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets plus reference Ti3C2Tx (from small-size 40 m MAX precursor).As-synthesised products were characterised using various analytical techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder Diffraction (XRD) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).In addition, prepared Ti3C2Tx nanosheets were applied to cellulose fabric by an optimised dip-coating procedure, and fabrics' surface morphologies, as well as electrical resistances, were inspected.The obtained SEM and XRD results showed successful preparation of the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, wherein the synthesis parameters influenced their size and morphology.Ti3C2Tx applied to cellulose fabric exhibited high electrical conductivity, revealing effective cellulose fabric' functionalisation and indicating the potential use of Ti3C2Tx in wearable electronic applications.