Tuning the photoluminescence of large Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes

Abstract Ti3C2Tx MXene has been reported to be a metallic two-dimensional (2D) material with high conductivity, whereas its photoluminescence (PL) mechanism is still under debate. Herein, we demonstrate that large Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes exhibit tunable PL under ambient conditions. The as-prepared Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes emit blue, yellow-green and red light under different excitation wavelengths. Their PL emission wavelengths redshift as the excitation wavelength changes from violet to red light. Surface modification of the MXenes can further tune the PL peak wavelength into the near infrared region. Using density function theory (DFT) calculations, this excitation wavelength-dependent PL can be correlated to TiO2 defects that exist on the surface of Ti3C2Tx. Our study expounds on the optical properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene and is helpful for comprehensively understanding this novel material.