Chieh-Yang Lin this is a super common headache with MXene films and happens usually due to the wrong membrane chemistry, over-drying or too much vacuum compaction. I suggest you use a sacrificial membrane such as mixed cellulose ester (MCE) or cellulose acetate (0.1–0.45 µm) to catch delaminated Ti3C2Tx well, and it can be dissolved in acetone to free a freestanding film.

Dear Chieh-Yang Lin ,

To create an MXene film, you'll generally need to start with a MAX phase precursor (like Ti3AlC2) and selectively etch away the "A" element (e.g., aluminum) to create a layered MXene structure. This etching process often involves using a fluoride-based etchant, such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) or a mixture of HCl and LiF. After etching, the MXene layers are often exfoliated (separated) and can be processed into films using various techniques, including filtration or dip coating.

A growing family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides or nitrides, known as MXenes, have received increasing attention because of their unique properties, such as metallic conductivity and good hydrophilicity. The studies on MXenes have been widely pursued, given the composition diversity of the parent MAX phases. This review focuses on MXene films, an important form of MXene-based materials for practical applications. We summarized the synthesis methods of MXenes, focusing on emerging synthesis strategies and reaction mechanisms.

Article Advances in MXene Films: Synthesis, Assembly, and Applications

Regards,

Shafagat