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MXene chemistry, electrochemistry and energy storage applications

Nature Reviews Chemistry volume 6, pages 389–404 (2022)Cite this article

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Abstract

The diverse and tunable surface and bulk chemistry of MXenes affords valuable and distinctive properties, which can be useful across many components of energy storage devices. MXenes offer diverse functions in batteries and supercapacitors, including double-layer and redox-type ion storage, ion transfer regulation, steric hindrance, ion redistribution, electrocatalysts, electrodeposition substrates and so on. They have been utilized to enhance the stability and performance of electrodes, electrolytes and separators. In this Review, we present a discussion on the roles of MXene bulk and surface chemistries across various energy storage devices and clarify the correlations between their chemical properties and the required functions. We also provide guidelines for the utilization of MXene surface terminations to control the properties and improve the performance of batteries and supercapacitors. Finally, we conclude with a perspective on the challenges and opportunities of MXene-based energy storage components towards future practical applications.

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Fig. 1: The evolution of bulk and surface chemistry of MXenes.
Fig. 2: Electrochemical properties of MXene electrodes.
Fig. 3: Mechanical reinforcement, ion transfer regulation and steric hindrance.
Fig. 4: Induced ion redistribution and electrodeposition chemistry.
Fig. 5: Multifunctional MXene additives for better electrodes.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China under project 2019YFA0705104 and a grant from City University of Hong Kong (9667165). C.E.S. and Y.G. were supported by a grant DMR-2041050 from the US National Science Foundation.

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  1. These authors contributed equally: Xinliang Li, Zhaodong Huang

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

    Xinliang Li, Zhaodong Huang, Guojin Liang & Chunyi Zhi

  2. A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Christopher E. Shuck & Yury Gogotsi

  3. Center for Advanced Nuclear Safety and Sustainable Development, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

    Chunyi Zhi

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Glossary

Faradic reaction

An electrochemical process that follows Faraday’s law where charges are transferred.

Etchant

Chemical substance that can remove the A layers from the MAX.

Shuttle effect

The diffusion backwards and forwards of reaction species between electrodes.

Density functional theory

(DFT). A computational quantum mechanical modelling method used to investigate the electronic structure of molecules and bulk materials.

Rocking chair mechanism

A battery operation principle based on the reversible shuttle of charge carriers between electrodes.

Adatoms

An atom that lies on a crystal surface. Used as a short form for adsorbed atom.

Tribological

The study of the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion.

Wettability

The tendency of one fluid to spread on or adhere to a solid surface in the presence of other immiscible fluids.

Hydrogen evolution reaction

(HER). The production of hydrogen through the process of water electrolysis or electrolyte decomposition.

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Li, X., Huang, Z., Shuck, C.E. et al. MXene chemistry, electrochemistry and energy storage applications. Nat Rev Chem 6, 389–404 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-022-00384-8

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