Single‐Layer/Few‐Layer and Multilayer Ti ₃ C ₂ T _x MXene: Divergent Mechanisms in Laser Ignition Performance of CL‐20 via Interface Activity and Structural Confinement

Abstract Achieving efficient energy release is the main research goal of energetic materials. Incorporating catalysts is one of the effective methods to achieve rapid pyrolysis and efficient energy release of energetic materials. Ti ₃ C ₂ T _x MXene, with its 2D layered structure and high photothermal efficiency, enhances energy release regulation in energetic materials like CL‐20. Single‐layer/few‐layer Ti ₃ C ₂ T _x MXene forms chemical bonds (such as O‐Ti) with CL‐20 via active surface sites, reducing activation energy. At 2.5 wt.% content, it achieves 6.20% photothermal conversion efficiency under 980 nm laser, with 99.45% mass loss, but excessive amounts cause agglomeration. Multilayer Ti ₃ C ₂ T _x MXene utilizes interlayer stacking to boost light absorption and extend optical paths, forming a “reaction chamber” that optimizes heat transfer, increasing combustion rate to 2.78 mm/s. Performance comparisons show single‐layer/few‐layer Ti ₃ C ₂ T _x MXene/CL‐20 excels in rapid ignition at low content (22.33 ms delay), while multilayer Ti ₃ C ₂ T _x MXene/CL‐20 balances airflow stability and energy transfer efficiency at higher content (0.58 W ignition threshold). This morphology‐dependent regulation provides a framework for designing high energy, insensitive energetic materials through MXene structural optimization.