Controlling tin whisker growth via oxygen-mediated decomposition of Ti₂SnC

Micro- and nano-sized one-dimensional (1D) metallic materials exhibit tremendous potential in various technological applications such as flexible and transparent electrodes, sensing, and catalysis. However, achieving eco-friendly and large-scale fabrication of diverse 1D metals remains a formidable challenge. The occurrence of A-site whisker growth from MAX phase presents an opportunity for developing an innovative 1D metal fabrication technique. Herein, we investigate the significant role of oxygen in promoting whisker growth from mechanically damaged Ti₂SnC MAX phase. Our findings reveal that oxidation of the M-site (titanium) in Ti₂SnC phases enhances the formation of atomized tin, which plays a crucial role in tin whisker growth. Furthermore, by employing alternative MAX phase precursors, this technique demonstrates the potential to fabricate 1D metals beyond tin. The diverse A-site elements in MAX phases suggest that this approach could serve as a universal strategy for synthesizing various 1D metallic materials.