Efficient and cost-effective method to synthesize highly purified Ti_(4)AlN_(3) and Ti_(2)AlN

Nitrides MAX have attracted ever-growing interest owing to its unique metallic and ceramic characteristics and properties.Here,we report on the synthesis of highly purified Ti_(2)AlN and Ti_(4)AlN_(3) powders from Ti,Al and TiN powders by a facile atmosphere sintering method.The obtained nitrides show highly pure phase and excellent layered structure.Except for the composition difference of raw materials,both the nitrides can be sintered and obtained by same sintering temperature and holding time,which thus makes less processing time and less usage of synthesis parameters as compared to previously synthesis methods.To our knowledge,present work is one of the few reports on synthesis of Ti_(4)AlN_(3) and Ti_(2)AlN using atmosphere sintering method.Furthermore,the lattice changes of the layered structure of Ti_(2)AlX(X/C=N)were studied by changing the composition of X position from the synthesis of Ti_(2)AlCN and Ti_(2)AlC,and the optimal formulation and synthesis mechanism of Ti_(4)AlN_(3) were also studied.

Macroporous 3D MXene architecture for solar-driven interfacial water evaporation

Interfacial water evaporation through solar heating with photothermal materials is a promising strategy for seawater desalination and wastewater purification.Tightly packed 2D membranes with high reflection losses and limited vapor escape channels result in a low evaporation rate.In this work,3D MXene architecture was fabricated by dropping the delaminated Ti_(3)C_(2)(d-Ti_(3)C_(2))nanosheets onto the carbonized melamine foam(CMF)framework.Owing to the macroporous 3D architecture,more effective broadband solar absorption and vapor escaping were achieved.As a result,the 3D CMF@d-Ti_(3)C_(2)-based evaporator delivers a water evaporation rate of 1.60 kg/m2·h with a solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency of up to 84.6%.