Organometallic-Inorganic Hybrid MXenes with Tunable Superconductivity

TL;DR

This paper reports the first demonstration of tunable superconductivity in Ti-based MXenes through organometallic hybridization, structural engineering, and intercalation, achieving a Tc of 10.2 K and proposing a general strategy for layered hybrid materials.

Contribution

It introduces an electrochemical intercalation method to induce and tune superconductivity in MXenes, a previously non-superconducting class of 2D materials, and predicts superconductivity in other layered hybrids.

Findings

Ti3C2Tx with metallocene exhibits Tc of 10.2 K

Intercalation induces electron filling and strain, leading to superconductivity

Predicted superconductivity in artificial superlattices beyond Ti-based MXenes

Abstract

Ti-based two-dimensional transition-metal carbides (MXenes) have attracted attention due to their superior properties and are being explored across various applications1,2. Despite their versatile properties, superconductivity has never been demonstrated, not even predicted, for this important group of 2D materials. In this work, we have introduced an electrochemical intercalation protocol to construct versatile organometallic-inorganic hybrid MXenes and achieved tunable superconductivity in the metallocene-modified layered crystals. Through structural editing of MXene matrix at atomic scale and meticulously modulated intercalation route, Ti3C2Tx intercalated with metallocene species exhibits a superconductive transition temperature (Tc) of 10.2 K. Guest intercalation induced electron filling and strain engineering are responsible for the emerging superconductivity in this intrinsically non-superconducting material. Theoretically, simulated electron-phonon interaction effects further elucidate the nature of the changes in Tc. Furthermore, the Tc of crafted artificial superlattices beyond Ti-based MXenes have been predicted, offering a general strategy for engineering superconductivity and magnetism in layered hybrid materials.