A simple method for the synthesis of nanosized Ti3AlC2 powder in NaCl–KCl molten salt

ABSTRACT Herein we report, a simple novel method to synthesize nanosized Ti3AlC2 powder from Ti, Al, and C powders in NaCl–KCl molten salt. It is more conducive to the formation of Ti3AlC2 at higher salt/precursor materials ratio and particle size of Ti3AlC2 powder dramatically decreases with increasing mass ratio of the salt to precursor materials. Fine-grained Ti3AlC2 powder is successfully synthesized at 950○C for 5？h or at 1000○C for 2？h with a salt/precursor materials ratio of 10:1. Ti3C2 MXene is also prepared by etching fine-grained Ti3AlC2 precursor in HF solution at 60°C for 2？h. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT It is the first time that nanosized ternary carbide Ti3AlC2 powder has been synthesized by a simple, high efficiency and relatively low-temperature process