Influence of Ti₃C₂Tx (MXene) on the generation of dielectric barrier discharge in air

The formation of homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in air is a key scientific problem and core technical problem to be solved for the application of plasmas. Here, we report the effect of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial Ti₃C₂Tx (T_x = –F, –O and/or –OH) on regulating the electrical discharge characteristics. The field emission and weak bound state property of Ti₃C₂Tx can effectively increase the seed electrons and contribute to the generation of atmospheric pressure homogeneous air DBD. The electron avalanche development for the uneven electrode structure is calculated, and the discharge mode transition is modeled. The comparative analyses of discharge phenomena validate the regulation of Ti₃C₂Tx on the discharge characteristics of DBD. The light emission capture and the voltage and current waveforms verify that the transition of Townsend discharge to streamer discharge is effectively inhibited. The optical emission spectra are used to characterize the plasma and confirm that it is in a non-equilibrium state and the gas temperature is at room temperature. This is the first exploration of Ti₃C₂Tx on the regulation of electrical discharge characteristics as far as we know. This work proves the feasibility of Ti₃C₂Tx as a source of seed electrons to form homogeneous DBD, establishing a preliminary foundation for promoting the application of atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma.