High Anti-Interference Ti3C2Tx MXene Field-Effect-Transistor-Based Alkali Indicator

Abstract

MXenes, a group of emerging two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides or nitrides, have attracted wide interest due to their unique structures and properties. Their stability and applicability in different media especially in an alkaline environment are directly associated with their potential applications and are not yet explored. Herein, a field-effect transistor (FET) is fabricated with single/double-layer Ti3C2Tx MXene. TheTi(3)C(2)T(x) FET indicator shows a fast (similar to 1 s), sensitive, and selective response to alkali. Moreover, the device can work even in a high-salinity (2 M NaCI) environment, suggesting its high anti-interference ability for alkali in a high-ionic-strength environment. Using an in situ morphological image evolution study, it is demonstrated that the response signal results from alkali-induced denaturation of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets. The Ti3C2Tx-based alkali FET indicator and systematic evaluation on alkali-induced structure evolution of Ti3C2Tx provide essential insights into MXene-based FETs and future applications of MXene in alkaline environments.