# Exfoliation of titanium nitride using a non-thermal plasma process

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new, eco-friendly method to exfoliate titanium nitride using non-thermal plasma, preserving its structure while altering its properties.

## Contribution

A novel non-thermal plasma process for exfoliating TiN is introduced, offering a rapid and environmentally friendly alternative.

## Key findings

- The cubic crystal structure of TiN was retained after exfoliation.
- The (200) crystal plane d-spacing increased from 2.08 to 3.09 Å.
- Raman vibrational modes showed changes, indicating structural modifications.

## Abstract

In this study, we present a novel approach for the exfoliation of titanium nitride (TiN) powders utilizing a rapid, facile, and environmentally friendly non-thermal plasma method. This method involves the use of an electric arc and nitrogen as the ambient gas at room temperature to generate ionized particles. These ionized species interact with the ceramic crystal of TiN, resulting in a pronounced structural expansion. The exfoliated TiN products were comprehensively characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Remarkably, the cubic crystal structure of TiN was effectively retained, while the (200) crystal plane d-spacing increased from 2.08 to 3.09 Å, accompanied by a reduction in crystallite size and alterations in Raman vibrational modes. Collectively, these findings provide compelling evidence for the successful exfoliation of TiN structures using our innovative non-thermal plasma method, opening up exciting possibilities for advanced material applications.