Two-Dimensional Titanium Carbide MXene as a Capacitor-Type Electrode for Rechargeable Aqueous Li-Ion and Na-Ion Capacitor Batteries

Two-dimensional functionalized MBene Mg2B3T (T = O, H, and F) monolayers as anode materials for high-performance K-ion batteries

Two-dimensional metal borides have received attention as high performance battery anode materials. During the practical application, the 2D surface terminalization is an inevitable problem. This study employs first-principles calculations to investigate the termination of the Mg2B3 monolayer with O, H, F, and Cl groups. These structures' stabilities are examined through energetic, mechanical, kinetic and thermodynamic stability studies. Electronic property analysis shows that Mg2B3T (T = O, H, F, and Cl) monolayers are all metallic. Calculated results reveal that the Mg2B3O, Mg2B3H, and Mg2B3F monolayers exhibit high K ion storage capacities (up to 826 mA h g-1, 980 mA h g-1, and 804 mA h g-1, respectively), with diffusion barriers of 0.338 eV, 0.490 eV, and 0.507 eV, respectively. More importantly, the calculated in-plane lattice constants of the substrate materials exhibit a minimal variation and the observed volume expansion is almost negligible (less than 0.08%) during the entire potassization process, which is much lower than that of the pristine Mg2B3 monolayer. This structural stability is attributed to the presence of surface functional groups. These results provide helpful insights into designing and discovering other high-capacity anode materials for batteries.

Effects of interlayer space engineering and surface modification on the charge storage mechanisms of MXene nanomaterials: A review on recent developments

Two-dimensional MXenes were discovered in 2011 and, because of their outstanding properties, have attracted significant attention as electrode materials for supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, and hybrid energy storage devices. Numerous studies were dedicated to identifying feasible charge storage mechanisms in MXenes and investigating the effects of structural and superficial properties on the corresponding mechanisms. The results clarify that interlayer distance and surface termination groups in MXenes significantly determine the deliverable energy and power density in respective energy storage devices. Additionally, due to van der Waals interactions, adjacent MXene sheets tend to aggregate and restack during electrode preparation or charge and discharge cycling, reducing the MXene interlayer distance and deteriorating its energy storage ability. In this review, we first summarize the different charge storage mechanisms applicable to MXenes in different energy storage devices and describe the effect of interlayer spacing and surface termination groups. Then, different interlayer space engineering methods are reviewed in terms of materials and procedures, and their impact on the electrochemical behavior and restacking tendency of MXene is described.

3D Printing-Enabled Design and Manufacturing Strategies for Batteries: A Review

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have significantly impacted the daily lives, finding broad applications in various industries such as consumer electronics, electric vehicles, medical devices, aerospace, and power tools. However, they still face issues (i.e., safety due to dendrite propagation, manufacturing cost, random porosities, and basic & planar geometries) that hinder their widespread applications as the demand for LIBs rapidly increases in all sectors due to their high energy and power density values compared to other batteries. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising technique for creating precise and programmable structures in energy storage devices. This review first summarizes light, filament, powder, and jetting-based 3D printing methods with the status on current trends and limitations for each AM technology. The paper also delves into 3D printing-enabled electrodes (both anodes and cathodes) and solid-state electrolytes for LIBs, emphasizing the current state-of-the-art materials, manufacturing methods, and properties/performance. Additionally, the current challenges in the AM for electrochemical energy storage (EES) applications, including limited materials, low processing precision, codesign/comanufacturing concepts for complete battery printing, machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) for processing optimization and data analysis, environmental risks, and the potential of 4D printing in advanced battery applications, are also presented.

Rational design of flower-like MnO2/Ti3C2Txcomposite electrode for high performance supercapacitors

Combining the new two-dimensional conductive MXene with transition metal oxide to build composite structure is a promising path to improve the conductivity of metal oxide. However, a critical challenge still remains in how to achieve a good combination of MXene and metal oxide. Herein, we develop a facile hydrothermal route to synthesize the MnO₂/Ti₃C₂T_xcomposite electrode for supercapacitors by synergistically coupling MnO₂nanowires with Ti₃C₂T_xMXene nanoflakes. Compared with the pure MnO₂electrode, the morphology of the MnO₂/Ti₃C₂T_xcomposite electrode changes from nanowires to nanoflowers. Moreover, the overall conductivity and electrochemical performance of the composite electrode are greatly improved due to an addition of Ti₃C₂T_xMXene. The specific capacitance of the MnO₂/Ti₃C₂T_xcomposite electrode achieves 210.8 F·g^-1at a scan rate of 2 mV·s^-1, while that of the pure MnO₂electrode is only 55.2 F·g^-1. Furthermore, the specific capacitance of the MnO₂/Ti₃C₂T_xcomposite electrode still can remain at 97.2% even after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles, revealing an excellent cycle stability. The synthesis strategy of this work can pave the way for the research and practical application of the electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Enhancing cation storage performance of layered double hydroxides by increasing the interlayer distance

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) can be transformed from alkaline supercapacitor material into metal-cation storage cathode working in neutral electrolytes through electrochemical activation. However, the rate performance for storing large cations is restricted by the small interlayer distance of LDH. Herein, the interlayer distance of NiCo-LDH is expanded by replacing the interlayer nitrate ions with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic anions (BDC), leading to the enhanced rate performance for storing large cations (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, and Zn²⁺), whereas almost the unchanged one for storing small-radius Li⁺ ions. The improved rate performance of the BDC-pillared LDH (LDH-BDC) stems from the reduced charge-transfer and Warburg resistances during charge/discharge due to the increased interlayer distance, as revealed by in situ electrochemical impedance spectra. The asymmetric zinc-ion supercapacitor assembled with LDH-BDC and activated carbon presents high energy density and cycling stability. This study demonstrates an effective strategy to improve the large cation storage performance of LDH electrodes by increasing the interlayer distance.

Tailoring 2D carbides and nitrides based photo-catalytic nanomaterials for energy production and storage: a review

2D carbides and nitrides-based nanomaterials because of their unusual physical and chemical properties and a vast range of energy-storage applications have attracted tremendous attention. However, 2D carbides and nitrides-based nanomaterials and their corresponding composites have many intrinsic constraints in terms of energy-storage applications. The nano-engineering of these 2D materials is widely investigated, to improve their performance for practical application. In this Review article, the current progress and research on 2D carbides and nitrides-based nanostructures are presented and debated, concentrating on their methods of preparation, and energy conservation applications for example Lithium-ion-battery, supercapacitors, and Sodium-ion-battery. In conclusion, the problems, and recommendations essential to be discussed for the progress of these 2D nanomaterials for energy-storage applications based on carbides and nitrides are displayed.

A Rising 2D Star: Novel MBenes with Excellent Performance in Energy Conversion and Storage

As a flourishing member of the two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial family, MXenes have shown great potential in various research areas. In recent years, the continued growth of interest in MXene derivatives, 2D transition metal borides (MBenes), has contributed to the emergence of this 2D material as a latecomer. Due to the excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and electrical properties, thus MBenes attract more researchers' interest. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have shown that they have exciting energy conversion and electrochemical storage potential. However, a comprehensive and systematic review of MBenes applications has not been available so far. For this reason, we present a comprehensive summary of recent advances in MBenes research. We started by summarizing the latest fabrication routes and excellent properties of MBenes. The focus will then turn to their exciting potential for energy storage and conversion. Finally, a brief summary of the challenges and opportunities for MBenes in future practical applications is presented.

Exploring 2D Energy Storage Materials: Advances in Structure, Synthesis, Optimization Strategies, and Applications for Monovalent and Multivalent Metal-Ion Hybrid Capacitors

The design and development of advanced energy storage devices with good energy/power densities and remarkable cycle life has long been a research hotspot. Metal-ion hybrid capacitors (MHCs) are considered as emerging and highly prospective candidates deriving from the integrated merits of metal-ion batteries with high energy density and supercapacitors with excellent power output and cycling stability. The realization of high-performance MHCs needs to conquer the inevitable imbalance in reaction kinetics between anode and cathode with different energy storage mechanisms. Featured by large specific surface area, short ion diffusion distance, ameliorated in-plane charge transport kinetics, and tunable surface and/or interlayer structures, 2D nanomaterials provide a promising platform for manufacturing battery-type electrodes with improved rate capability and capacitor-type electrodes with high capacity. In this article, the fundamental science of 2D nanomaterials and MHCs is first presented in detail, and then the performance optimization strategies from electrodes and electrolytes of MHCs are summarized. Next, the most recent progress in the application of 2D nanomaterials in monovalent and multivalent MHCs is dealt with. Furthermore, the energy storage mechanism of 2D electrode materials is deeply explored by advanced characterization techniques. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of 2D nanomaterials-based MHCs are prospected.

Amine-Assisted Delaminated 2D Ti3C2Tx MXenes for High Specific Capacitance in Neutral Aqueous Electrolytes

Electrochemical capacitors using neutral aqueous electrolytes are safer and cheaper and allow diverse current collectors compared with the counterparts using organic or acidic/alkaline electrolytes. Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes have been demonstrated as the high-capacitive materials with high rate performance. However, MXene electrodes often exhibit a limited capacitance in neutral electrolytes, where the reversible electrochemical reactions rely greatly on the structural and surface properties of MXenes depending on their synthesis methods. Herein, a simple and highly efficient strategy, which combines HF etching of Ti₃AlC₂ powder and subsequent amine-assisted delamination at a low temperature, is developed to synthesize 2D Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes. The comprehensive results demonstrate that the enlarged interlayer spacing and the presence of more -O-containing functional groups synergistically contribute to the improvement of capacitive performance in neutral electrolytes. The 2D Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes show excellent electrochemical performance in various neutral electrolytes, and a high specific gravimetric capacitance of 149.8 F/g is achieved in 1.0 M Li₂SO₄. Furthermore, the flexible solid-state supercapacitors (SCs) with a neutral PVA/LiCl gel electrolyte possess a superior areal capacitance (163.1 mF/cm²) and high energy density (17.6 μWh/cm² at 0.07 mW/cm²), together with high user safety. This work provides a promising guideline of synthesis strategy for high-capacitive MXenes used in neutral electrolytes, which may promote the development of safe and flexible power sources with a high energy density.

MXene-Based Materials for Electrochemical Sodium-Ion Storage

Advanced architecture and rational design of electrode materials for electrochemical sodium-ion storage are well developed by researchers worldwide. MXene-based materials are considered as one of the most potential electrode materials for sodium-ion-based devices, such as sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), sodium-sulfur batteries (SSBs), and sodium-ion capacitors (SICs), because of the excellent physicochemical characteristics of MXenes. Here, in this review, the recent research work and progress, both theoretical and experimental, on MXene-based materials including pure MXenes and MXene-based composites in application of SIBs, SSBs, and SICs are comprehensively summarized. The sodium storage mechanisms and the effective methods to enhance the electrochemical performance are also discussed. Finally, the current critical challenges and future research directions on the development of these MXene-based materials for electrochemical sodium-ion storage are presented.

Spinel LiMn2O4 nanoparticles fabricated by the flexible soft template/Pichini method as cathode materials for aqueous lithium-ion capacitors with high energy and power density

Spinel LiMn2O4 (LMO) with a three-dimensional structure has become one of the cathode materials that has gained the most interest due to its safety, low price and abundant resources. However, the lithium ion transmission is limited by large particle size and particle agglomeration of LMO. Thus, reducing the particle size and agglomeration of LMO can effectively improve its lithium ion transmission. Here, we synthesized a LMO cathode material with a nanoscale crystal size using the flexible expanded graphite (EG) soft template and Pichini method. EG-controlled particle size and particle agglomeration of LMO is conducive to charge transfer and diffusion of lithium ions between LMO and the electrolyte, meanwhile, there are more redox sites on the nanosized LMO particles, which makes the redox reaction of LMO more thorough during the charge and discharge process, resulting in high capacitance performance. In order to obtain the considerably required lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) with high energy density and power density, we assembled aqueous LMO//activated carbon (AC) LICs with 5 M LiNO3 as the aqueous electrolytes, which are environmentally friendly, safe, low cost and have higher electrical conductivity than organic electrolytes. The optimal LIC has an energy density of 32.63 W h kg-1 at a power density of 500 W kg-1 and an energy density of 8.06 W h kg-1 at a power density of 10 000 W kg-1, which is higher than most of the LMO-based LICs in previous reports. After 2000 cycles, the specific capacitance retention rate was 75.9% at a current density of 3 A g-1. Therefore, our aqueous LMO//AC LICs synthesized by the soft template/Pichini method have wide prospects and are suitable for low-cost, high-safety and high-power applications.

Effect of Ti3C2T x MXenes etched at elevated temperatures using concentrated acid on binder-free supercapacitors

The effect of Ti3C2T x MXene etched at different temperatures (25 °C, 50 °C, and 80 °C) on the capacitance of supercapacitors without the use of conducting carbon-black or a binder was studied. The MXene etched using concentrated HCl acid (12 M)/LiF was used as an active electrode and Ni-foil as a current collector. It was observed that the elevated etching temperature facilitates the etching of the MAX phase and the exfoliation of MXene layers. However, this led to the formation of additional functional groups at the MXene surface as the temperature was increased to 80 °C. The specific capacitance of Ti3C2T x -based supercapacitors increased from 581 F g-1 for MXene etched at 25 °C to 657 F g-1 for those etched at 50 °C at the scan rate of 2 mV s-1. However, the specific capacitance reduced to 421 F g-1 as the etching temperature was increased to 80 °C at the same scan rate. The supercapacitors based on MXenes etched at the intermediate temperature (50 °C) exhibited higher specific capacitance in a wide range of scan rate, symmetry in charge/discharge curves, high cyclic stability at a scan rate of 1000 mV s-1 for up to 3000 cycles. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies indicated low series resistance, reduced charge-transfer resistance, and decreased Warburg impedance for the supercapacitor based on the MXene etched at the intermediate temperature.

Recent progress in sodium/potassium hybrid capacitors

Metal ion hybrid capacitors (MIHCs) have been recognized as one of the most promising power sources owing to their combined merits of high energy density in batteries and high power output in supercapacitors. The kinetics mismatch between the capacitor-type cathode and battery-type anode yet must be well addressed before implementing their practical feasibility. Here, we overview the recent progress in sodium and potassium ion hybrid capacitors (SIHCs and PIHCs) and discuss the major challenges and give an outlook on the future directions in this field. The fundamental knowledge and the history will be firstly introduced, and special emphasis is then laid on the development of a variety of electrode materials in recent years. The prospects of future research of MIHCs are finally proposed towards their practical applications. We wish that this feature article can not only educate newcomers starting their reasearch in this field, but also inspire experieced researchers to contribute to the development of high-performance MIHC devices.

Transition Metal Carbides (TMCs) Catalysts for Gas Phase CO2 Upgrading Reactions: A Comprehensive Overview

Increasing demand for CO2 utilization reactions and the stable character of CO2 have motivated interest in developing highly active, selective and stable catalysts. Precious metal catalysts have been studied extensively due to their high activities, but their implementation for industrial applications is hindered due to their elevated cost. Among the materials which have comparatively low prices, transition metal carbides (TMCs) are deemed to display catalytic properties similar to Pt-group metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt) in several reactions such as hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. In addition, they are excellent substrates to disperse metallic particles. Hence, the unique properties of TMCs make them ideal substitutes for precious metals resulting in promising catalysts for CO2 utilization reactions. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances on TMCs catalysts towards gas phase CO2 utilization processes, such as CO2 methanation, reverse water gas shift (rWGS) and dry reforming of methane (DRM). We have carefully analyzed synthesis procedures, performances and limitations of different TMCs catalysts. Insights on material characteristics such as crystal structure and surface chemistry and their connection with the catalytic activity are also critically reviewed.

A Mini-Review: MXene composites for sodium/potassium-ion batteries

MXenes, as a new type of two-dimensional layered structure material, have attracted much attention. MXenes have high electronic conductivity, a large specific area, excellent mechanical properties and a unique layered structure and have been extensively used in energy storage, adsorption, catalysis and other fields. In recent years, Mxenes and their composite materials have been widely used in the field of secondary batteries. Although oxides, sulfides and other materials have high capacity, there are problems such as low conductivity, volume expansion in the reaction process, poor cycling stability, etc. Therefore, building composite materials with MXenes can not only improve the capacity but also enhance the electronic conductivity of the materials, effectively alleviate volume expansion in the reaction process, and achieve better electrochemical performance. This article reviews the latest research status of MXenes, the synthesis methods, properties and application of MXenes and their composite materials in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), briefly introduces the research background of SIBs, PIBs and MXenes, and focuses on the application research of MXene composite materials in SIBs and PIBs, including classification according to sulfide, oxide and carbon materials. Finally, the development and application prospects of MXenes and their composite materials are summarized.

Exploration of Energy Storage Materials for Water Desalination via Next-Generation Capacitive Deionization

Clean energy and environmental protection are critical to the sustainable development of human society. The numerous emerged electrode materials for energy storage devices offer opportunities for the development of capacitive deionization (CDI), which is considered as a promising water treatment technology with advantages of low cost, high energy efficiency, and wide application. Conventional CDI based on porous carbon electrode has low salt removal capacity which limits its application in high salinity brine. Recently, the faradaic electrode materials inspired by the researches of sodium-batteries appear to be attractive candidates for next-generation CDI which capture ions by the intercalation or redox reactions in the bulk of electrode. In this mini review, we summarize the recent advances in the development of various faradaic materials as CDI electrodes with the discussion of possible strategies to address the problems present.

Advanced Materials for Sodium-Ion Capacitors with Superior Energy-Power Properties: Progress and Perspectives

Developing electrochemical energy storage devices with high energy-power densities, long cycling life, as well as low cost is of great significance. Sodium-ion capacitors (NICs), with Na⁺ as carriers, are composed of a high capacity battery-type electrode and a high rate capacitive electrode. However, unlike their lithium-ion analogues, the research on NICs is still in its infancy. Rational material designs still need to be developed to meet the increasing requirements for NICs with superior energy-power performance and low cost. In the past few years, various materials have been explored to develop NICs with the merits of superior electrochemical performance, low cost, good stability, and environmental friendliness. Here, the material design strategies for sodium-ion capacitors are summarized, with focus on cathode materials, anode materials, and electrolytes. The challenges and opportunities ahead for the future research on materials for NICs are also proposed.

Nitrogen Doped Intercalation TiO2/TiN/Ti3C2Tx Nanocomposite Electrodes with Enhanced Pseudocapacitance

Layered two-dimensional titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂T_x), as an outstanding MXene member, has captured increasing attention in supercapacitor applications due to its excellent chemical and physical properties. However, the low gravimetric capacitance of Ti₃C₂T_x restricts its rapid development in such applications. Herein, this work demonstrates an effective and facile hydrothermal approach to synthesize nitrogen doped intercalation TiO₂/TiN/Ti₃C₂T_x with greatly improved gravimetric capacitance and excellent cycling stability. The hexamethylenetetramine (C₆H₁₂N₄) in hydrothermal environment acted as the nitrogen source and intercalants, while the Ti₃C₂T_x itself was the titanium source of TiO₂ and TiN. We tested the optimized nitrogen doped intercalation TiO₂/TiN/Ti₃C₂T_x electrodes in H₂SO₄, Li₂SO₄, Na₂SO₄, LiOH and KOH electrolytes, respectively. The electrode in H₂SO₄ electrolyte delivered the best electrochemical performance with high gravimetric capacitance of 361 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ and excellent cycling stability of 85.8% after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. A systematic study of material characterization combined with the electrochemical performances disclosed that TiO₂/TiN nanoparticles, the introduction of nitrogen and the NH₄⁺ intercalation efficaciously increased the specific surface areas, which is beneficial for facilitating electrolyte ions transportation. Given the excellent performance, nitrogen doped intercalation TiO₂/TiN/Ti₃C₂T_x bodes well as a promising pseudocapacitor electrode for energy storage applications.

Fabrication of Cobaltosic Oxide Nanoparticle-Doped 3 D MXene/Graphene Hybrid Porous Aerogels for All-Solid-State Supercapacitors

MXenes are a new family of 2 D transition metal carbides and nitrides, which have attracted enormous attention in electrochemical energy storage, sensing technology, and catalysis owing to their good conductivity, high specific surface area, and excellent electrochemical properties. In this work, a series of Co₃ O₄ -doped 3 D MXene/RGO hybrid porous aerogels is designed and prepared through a facile in situ reduction and thermal annealing process, in which the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) conductive network can electrically link the separated Co₃ O₄ -MXene composite nanosheets, leading to enhanced electronic conductivity. It is found that upon using the Co₃ O₄ -MXene/RGO hybrid porous aerogel prepared with a mass ratio of Co₃ O₄ -MXene/RGO of 3:1 (CMR31) as an electrode for a supercapacitor, a superior specific capacitance of 345 F g^-1 at the current density of 1 A g^-1 is achieved, which is significantly higher than those of Ti₃ C₂ T_x MXene, RGO, and MXene/RGO electrodes. In addition, a high capacitance retention (85 % of the initial capacitance after 10 000 cycles at a high current density of 3 A g^-1 ) and a low internal resistance R_s (0.44 Ω) can be achieved. An all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device is assembled using CMR31, and it has the ability to light up a blue LED indicator for 5 min if four ASCs are connected in series. Therefore, these novel Co₃ O₄ -MXene/RGO hybrid porous aerogels have potential practical applications in high-energy storage devices.

Applications of 2D MXenes in energy conversion and storage systems

This article provides a comprehensive review of MXene materials and their energy-related applications.

Recent Advances in Layered Ti3 C2 Tx MXene for Electrochemical Energy Storage

Ti₃ C₂ T_x , a typical representative among the emerging family of 2D layered transition metal carbides and/or nitrides referred to as MXenes, has exhibited multiple advantages including metallic conductivity, a plastic layer structure, small band gaps, and the hydrophilic nature of its functionalized surface. As a result, this 2D material is intensively investigated for application in the energy storage field. The composition, morphology and texture, surface chemistry, and structural configuration of Ti₃ C₂ T_x directly influence its electrochemical performance, e.g., the use of a well-designed 2D Ti₃ C₂ T_x as a rechargeable battery anode has significantly enhanced battery performance by providing more chemically active interfaces, shortened ion-diffusion lengths, and improved in-plane carrier/charge-transport kinetics. Some recent progresses of Ti₃ C₂ T_x MXene are achieved in energy storage. This Review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis and electrochemical energy storage applications of Ti₃ C₂ T_x MXene including supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and lithium-sulfur batteries. The current opportunities and future challenges of Ti₃ C₂ T_x MXene are addressed for energy-storage devices. This Review seeks to provide a rational and in-depth understanding of the relation between the electrochemical performance and the nanostructural/chemical composition of Ti₃ C₂ T_x , which will promote the further development of 2D MXenes in energy-storage applications.