Challenges and recent advancements in MXene-based high-capacity electrodes for future generation rechargeable batteries

An innovative family of 2-dimensional transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitride multilayered materials, identified as MXenes, has attracted significant interest since the discovery of Ti3C2 in 2011. MXenes exhibit a broad surface area and excellent electronic conductivity and can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or a combination of both. It also possesses physical robustness, flexibility, and chemical and thermal resilience. Surface terminations such as hydroxyl (OH-), oxygen (O-), or fluorine (F-) groups impart hydrophilic properties to the surfaces of materials. Due to its outstanding conductive properties, large specific surface area, excellent mechanical characteristics, and distinctive multilayered structure, MXenes have extensive applications in energy storage devices, absorption processes, catalysis, and other fields. MXenes and related composite materials have gained significant traction in rechargeable batteries. While oxides, sulfides, and various other materials offer high capacities, they are also plagued by poor cyclability, limited conductivity, and volumetric expansion during reaction processes. Consequently, utilizing MXene-based composites can enhance the electronic conductivity, storage capacity, and overall electrochemical efficiency while mitigating volumetric expansion during charge/ discharge cycles. This comprehensive review article delves into the manufacturing process, structure, and characteristics of MXenes. We also explore the energy storage capabilities of these materials in future-generation rechargeable batteries, associated applications, and prospects for future research.