Exfoliating Ti3AlC2 MAX into Ti3C2Tz MXene: A Powerful Strategy to Enhance High‐Voltage Dielectric Performance of Percolation‐Based PVDF Nanodielectrics
Abstract All‐solid‐state polymer dielectrics benefit from a superior voltage window and conveniently circumvent fire hazards associated with liquid electrolytes. Nevertheless, their future competitiveness with alternative energy storage technologies requires a significant enhancement in their energy density. The addition of conductive 2D MXene particles is a promising strategy for creating percolation‐based nanodielectrics with improved dielectric response. However, a full understanding of the nanodielectric production – microstructure – dielectric performance correlations is crucial. Therefore, this research considered Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phase and Ti 3 C 2 T z MXene as electrically conductive ceramic fillers in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Microstructural characterization of both nanodielectrics demonstrated excellent filler dispersion. Additionally, the exfoliation of Ti 3 AlC 2 brought forth extensive alignment and interface accessibility, synergistically activating a pronounced interfacial polarization and nanocapacitor mechanism that enhanced the energy density of PVDF by a factor 100 to 3.1 Wh kg −1 @0.1 Hz at 22.9 vol% MXene filler. The stellar increase in the PVDF energy density occurred for a broad MXene filler loading range owing to the unique 2D morphology of MXenes, whereas the addition of Ti 3 AlC 2 fillers only caused a detrimental reduction. Hence, this study buttressed the importance to exfoliate the parental MAX phase into multi‐layered MXene as a decisive strategy for boosting nanodielectric performance.