Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) have shown promise in developing electrochemical storage of metal ions within conductive galleries due to redox reactions with transition metal atoms. Here, effect of surface chemistry on electrochemical storage of sodium ions within MXene interlayers is investigated by etching Ti3AlC2MAX using different etchants - HF, HF/HCl, and HF/H2SO4. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2020.