Alfa Chemistry focuses on two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials technology companies, mainly MXenes and MAX phase materials, black phosphorus, etc. The company's R&D team is led by a group of PhDs with international study experience and years of research experience. We can "customize" our Nb2C Solution products to meet the needs of our customers, and we can assist them solve their problems quickly.
Niobium Carbide (Nb2C)
Niobium carbide is a physicochemically important TMC system with symbolic qualities. Furthermore, niobium carbide is a promising contender for increasing niobium alloy mechanical properties. Niobium and carbide can combine to generate a variety of weak metallic or semiconducting compounds with varying compositions and spatial symmetries.
Niobium carbides have four experimentally known compositions in the Nb-C binary phase diagram: NbC, Nb6C5, Nb4C3, and Nb2C. The carbide Nb2C is the least well-known, and it comes in three polycrystalline forms: γ-Nb2C, β-Nb2C and α-Nb2C. In sp3 hybridization, niobium and carbon form strong connections that weave into a three-dimensional network. Nb2C is a potential candidate for superhard and hard materials.
Nb2C Solution Synthesis and Characterization
Thin-film solutions containing Nb2C in ethanol or other mediums are available from Alfa Chemistry. Other types of solutions are available; please specify your preference in your request.
To date, the majority of our MXenes have been made using top-down approaches, specifically selective etching from their MAX phase. Pulsed ultrasonication of high-quality Nb2C crystals generated in microwave reactors and acid treatment procedures are used to create Nb2C solution, resulting in high-quality Nb2C sheets scattered in the solution.
Nb2C MXene can be made by immersing Nb2AlC particles in an aqueous HF solution at room temperature due to the high chemical activity of metal Nb-C bonds. Multilayer Nb2C MXene was made utilizing tetrapropylammonium ions (TPA+) immersed in an aqueous solution of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) with vigorous stirring to obtain thin two-dimensional Nb2C flakes. Ion exchange between protons (H+) and TPA+ allows multilayer Nb2C to be swelled and delaminated efficiently. The ultrathin nature of the resultant Nb2C MXene is indicated by the transparent characteristic. The multilayer structure feature indicates that the Al layer has been successfully removed from the MAX stage.
Fig 1. (a) SEM image of HF-etched Nb2C powder. (b) TEM image of few-layer Nb2C NSs. (c) HRTEM image of few-layer Nb2C NSs. (Gao L. F, et al. 2021)
SEM images, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, electron energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX), Raman spectroscopy, and radiolucent photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were used to confirm the structure, chemical composition, crystallinity, composition, and surface ends of Nb2C flakes.
The types of solutions we can provide include, but are not limited to:
- Ethanol
- Isopropanol
- Deionized water
- NMP
For customization, request your requirements at the time of inquiry.
Note
Here are some suggestions for volume, concentration, and solvent type.
We ship supersaturated 2D solutions (about 100-300 mg/L, depending on the type of 2D layer) because most overseas shipments allow only tiny amounts. These supersaturated solutions were created with the intention of being diluted into large (250-500 mL) solutions.
Because of its environmental stability, thermal stability, dispersion characteristics, and non-polluting nature, ethanol is used as a dispersant solvent in our products. However, if your research necessitates the use of additional solvents, please let us know what kind of solution you require.
Reference
- Gao L. F, et al. (2021). "Applications of Few-Layer Nb2C MXene: Narrow-Band Photodetectors and Femtosecond Mode-Locked Fiber Lasers." ACS Nano. 15(1): 954-965.
Please kindly note that our products are for research use only.
