Ultrafast formation of porosity and heterogeneous structures on 2D oxides via momentary photothermal effect

2D metal oxides have attracted significant interest in numerous scientific research fields owing to their exceptional physicochemical properties derived from unique crystal structures and surfaces. However, unfortunately, there are still challenges to achieving fast and sensitive chemical sensing using 2D metal oxides due to their poor surface porosity. Here, a simple but powerful synthetic method for highly porous as well as reduced 2D metal oxides is suggested through a 2D oxide exfoliation approach combined with flash-thermal shock (FTS). The molecular thick-level 2D Ti_0.87O₂ nanosheets are simply synthesized by ion-exchange exfoliation and a subsequent ultra-fast FTS (7.5 ms) process, resulting in simultaneous formation of uniform pores and reduced Ti_0.87O_2−x on the 2D Ti_0.87O₂ surface. In this process, the heterojunctions play a crucial role in enhancing the sensitivity by facilitating charge transfer and improving the electrical properties. Density functional theory calculations and ex situ TEM analysis elucidate that the fast phase transformation of 2D Ti_0.87O₂ is a key driving force of porosity and reduced Ti_0.87O_2−x formation. Based on these features, porous 2D Ti_0.87O₂ exhibits an exceptional HCHO sensing characteristic including outstanding reversibility and sensitivity even at room temperature.