Two-dimensional TiC nanocrystals produced by molten salt treatment of carbon black and Ti2AlC

In this study, 2D TiC nanosheets were successfully synthesized by reacting carbon black and Ti2AlC in a molten NaCl/KCl eutectic salt. The effects of salt content and ratio of raw materials on the phase composition and purity of TiC products were systematically investigated. Results showed that carbon black enhanced the total decomposition of Ti2AlC to TiC, Al, and Al3Ti at 1100 °C. The introduction of molten salt ensured the formation of TiC nanosheets. Excess carbon influenced the synthesis of high TiC content by removing the Al and Al3Ti by-products. TiC nanosheets had a thickness of approximately 10–20 nm and a length of approximately 150–200 nm. A possible synthesis mechanism of TiC nanosheets was proposed.