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arXiv · 2509.11380

Si-Substituted MAX Phases and In-Situ Formation of Si-coated MXene Composites via Chlorosilane Etching

Xudong Wang·Qian Fang·Mian Li·Zhifang Chai·Qing Huang
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Abstract

Silicon-based MAX phases are a promising class of layered ceramics with superior thermal and chemical stability. However, their synthesis remains challenging due to inherent thermodynamic instability at high temperatures. Herein, we develop a general top-down strategy to synthesize a broad family of Si-substituted MAX phases (M = Ti, V, Nb, Ta, Cr; X = C, N) by reacting Al-based MAX precursors with SiCl4 vapor. This approach not only circumvents traditional high-temperature limitations but also enables precise A-site defect engineering, resulting in phases with controlled vacancy concentrations (e.g., Nb2Si3/4C and Nb2Si1/2C). Furthermore, we introduce a redox potential-based model that rationalizes the reaction pathway. Using Tin+1AlXn etched with SiCl4 as an example, the process simultaneously forms Cl-terminated MXene (Mn+1XnCl2) and amorphous nano-Si, enabling the one-step synthesis of Si-coated MXene composites. This methodology provides new avenues for designing advanced MAX phases and MXene-based hybrids with tailored functionalities for applications in energy storage and catalysis.

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Xudong Wang, Qian Fang, Mian Li, Zhifang Chai, Qing Huang. 2025-09-14. Si-Substituted MAX Phases and In-Situ Formation of Si-coated MXene Composites via Chlorosilane Etching. https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.11380

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