Abstract:
Magnetism in two-dimensional family is hotspot in today’s research due to their promising
future technological applications. 2011 redirection the research with the discovery of MXenes with
recipe Mn+1Xn at Drexel University, Philadelphia. Chemical scissor mediated nanoscale Nb2CTx
is inherited from parent Nb2AlC. Superconductivity aspect in wonder material remained under
shadow for little period but theoretical prediction soon diverted attention of the world research
community and a lot of efforts are being made to fabricate 2-D superconductors and their possible
uses in spintronics. The systematic synthesis process at such 2D MXene is described to produce
MXene under optimized condtions using wet chemical etching route. The X-ray diffraction
indicates significant increase in c-lattice parameter from 13.92Å to 20.3Å indicating successful
etching and intercalation of MXene sheets. Also, c-Lp of Nb2CTx free-standing film is further
raised from 20.3 Å to 28.24 Å. A typical 2D layered morphology can be seen through SEM images
with well-defined lamellar structure. Magnetic measurements of MXene free-standing film unveil
the existence of Type-II superconductivity. Magnetization vs. MT curve under field cooled
condition indicates a phase transition from normal to superconducting state at Tc =90K at low
temperature with negative magnetization (superconducting diamagnetism) due the formation of
vortex state typical of Type-II superconductors. Magneto-transport also reveal the existence of
superconductivity by showing a trend toward lower temperature region and large decrease in
resistivity. Thus free-standing Nb2C-MXene film is a type-II superconductor with Tc=90K making
a significant development towards superconductivity in 2D materials, thus opening a door towards
room temperature attainable Spintronics.
