Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene modification using silicane or quaternary ammonium salt via covalent bonding or interaction for high‐performance composites

Abstract Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene were modified by 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (MPTS) and melamine quaternary ammonium salt (MG). The modification mechanism of MPTS and MG with Ti 3 C 2 T x and the regulation of their surface and interfacial properties were confirmed through a series of tests. Ti 3 C 2 T x @MPTS obtained by hydrolysis and hydroxyl co‐polycondensation had a hydrophobic surface and exhibits good dispersion stability. Ti 3 C 2 T x @MG had a strong hydrophilic surface under the dual action of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic assembly, resulting in its surface charge changed from negative to positive. Furthermore, the morphologies of Ti 3 C 2 T x @MPTS and Ti 3 C 2 T x @MG were quite different. Compared with Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene, Ti 3 C 2 T x @MPTS still presents a multi‐layer structure, while Ti 3 C 2 T x @MG shows a stripped‐off layer/single‐layer/partially collapse pattern. This is due to the fact that MPTS mainly modifies Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene by coating, while MG is based on intercalation effect. The two modifiers modify Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene with different effects, endow Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene with different surface and interfacial properties, and then stabilize in the polymer matrix, supercapacitors and electrode materials in different ways. Highlights The hydrophilic and hydrophobic Ti 3 C 2 T x is realized by MG and MPTS. Layered morphology of Ti 3 C 2 T x was changed with the introduction of MPTS and MG. The electronegativity of Ti 3 C 2 T x was changed by the introduction of MPTS and MG.