A method of making a layered MXene material comprises a) introducing dried MAX phase
powder into a vessel under
anhydrous,
inert conditions, the MAX phase
powder comprising a general formula of Mn+1AXn (n=1, 2, 3, or 4), wherein M is a
transition metal or p-block
metalloid selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Re, Cu, Ni, Ag, Zn, Cd, In, Sn, and Pb; interlayer A is a Group III, IV, or V
metalloid selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ga, Ge, In, Sn, Pb, As, Bi, Sb, and X is one of C (carbon) and N (
nitrogen); b) introducing a
halogen and
solvent to the dried MAX phase to create a
halogen solution having a predetermined concentration; c) allowing a reaction to proceed for about 24 hours between 30-90° C. to create a reaction
slurry comprising a MXene material.