Transition metal dichalcogenide-based materials for rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries: A mini-review

MXene-Based Nanocomposites for Supercapacitors: Fundamentals and Applications

MXene-based nanocomposite materials with other 2D materials have made a large impact in the field of energy storage, particularly in the area of supercapacitors. Combining conductive 2D MXene with other 2D materials, such as transition metal oxide, transition metal dichalcogenides, and layered double hydroxide, improves the electrochemical energy storage properties of resulting MXene-based nanocomposites. The interface of MXene and 2D nanocomposite materials allows an improved electrochemical performance for energy storage applications. In this review, state-of-the-art research progress in 2D/2D MXene-based nanocomposite synthesis, structural and morphological properties, and electrochemical performance for supercapacitors is explored. 2D MXene nanocomposites electrochemical properties in terms of specific capacitance, energy, power densities, and stability are discussed. This study shows that this rapidly developing field has an important impact on the next-generation supercapacitor.

Anode Free Zinc-Metal Batteries (AFZMBs): A New Paradigm in Energy Storage

In the past few years, aqueous zinc-metal batteries (ZMBs) have gained much attention and can be regarded as a potential alternative to lithium-metal batteries owing to their high safety, nature of abundance, and environmental sustainability. However, several challenges persist, including dendrite formation, corrosion, and unwanted side reactions, before ZMBs can be fully utilized in practical applications. To circumvent these issues, anode free zinc-metal batteries (AFZMBs) have emerged as a next-generation energy storage system. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in AFZMBs, including their working mechanisms, advantages over conventional ZMBs, and the challenges for practical implementation. It also highlights the key strategies, including current collector modification, electrolyte engineering, and 3D printing techniques to enhance zinc deposition uniformity and cycling stability. The review also explores how 3D printing technology can revolutionize the design of advanced current collectors and zinc-rich cathodes, optimizing material utilization and enhancing battery performance. Finally, with a future perspective of AFZMBs is concluded, highlighting the need for further research to address existing bottlenecks and fully unlock their potential for next-generation energy storage.

Aqueous Multivalent Metal-ion Batteries: Toward 3D-printed Architectures

Energy storage has become increasingly crucial, necessitating alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to critical supply constraints. Aqueous multivalent metal-ion batteries (AMVIBs) offer significant potential for large-scale energy storage, leveraging the high abundance and environmentally benign nature of elements like zinc, magnesium, calcium, and aluminum in the Earth's crust. However, the slow ion diffusion kinetics and stability issues of cathode materials pose significant technical challenges, raising concerns about the future viability of AMVIB technologies. Recent research has focused on nanoengineering cathodes to address these issues, but practical implementation is limited by low mass-loading. Therefore, developing effective engineering strategies for cathode materials is essential. This review introduces the 3D printing-enabled structural design of cathodes as a transformative strategy for advancing AMVIBs. It begins by summarizing recent developments and common challenges in cathode materials for AMVIBs and then illustrates various 3D-printed cathode structural designs aimed at overcoming the limitations of conventional cathode materials, highlighting pioneering work in this field. Finally, the review discusses the necessary technological advancements in 3D printing processes to further develop advanced 3D-printed AMVIBs. The reader will receive new fresh perspective on multivalent metal-ion batteries and the potential of additive technologies in this field.

High Performance MXene/MnCo2O4 Supercapacitor Device for Powering Small Robotics

The development of advanced energy storage devices is critical for various applications including robotics and portable electronics. The energy storage field faces significant challenges in designing devices that can operate effectively for extended periods while maintaining exceptional electrochemical performance. Supercapacitors, which bridge the gap between batteries and conventional capacitors, offer a promising solution due to their high power density and rapid charge-discharge capabilities. This study focuses on the fabrication and evaluation of a MXene/MnCo2O4 nanocomposite supercapacitor electrode using a simple and cost-effective electrodeposition method on a copper substrate. The MXene/MnCo2O4 nanocomposite exhibits superior electrochemical properties, including a specific capacitance of 668 F g-1, high energy density (35 Wh kg-1), and excellent cycling stability (94.6% retention over 5000 cycles). The combination of MXene and MnCo2O4 enhances the redox activity, electronic conductivity, and structural integrity of the electrode. An asymmetric supercapacitor device, incorporating MXene/MnCo2O4 as the positive electrode and Bi2O3 as the negative electrode, demonstrates remarkable performance in powering small robotics and small electronics. This work underscores the potential of MXene-based nanocomposites for high-performance supercapacitor applications, paving the way for future advancements in energy storage technologies.

Insight into the Storage Mechanism of Sandwich-Like Molybdenum Disulphide/Carbon Nanofibers Composite in Aluminum-Ion Batteries

Aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) have become a research hotspot in the field of energy storage due to their high energy density, safety, environmental friendliness, and low cost. However, the actual capacity of AIBs is much lower than the theoretical specific capacity, and their cycling stability is poor. The exploration of energy storage mechanisms may help in the design of stable electrode materials, thereby contributing to improving performance. In this work, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was selected as the host material for AIBs, and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were used as the substrate to prepare a molybdenum disulfide/carbon nanofibers (MoS2/CNFs) electrode, exhibiting a residual reversible capacity of 53 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1 after 260 cycles. The energy storage mechanism was understood through a combination of electrochemical characterization and first-principles calculations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the diffusion behavior of ions in different channels in the host material and its potential energy storage mechanism. The computational analysis and experimental results indicate that the electrochemical behavior of the battery is determined by the ion transport mechanism between MoS2 layers. The insertion of ions leads to lattice distortion in the host material, significantly impacting its initial stability. CNFs, serving as a support material, not only reduce the agglomeration of MoS2 grown on its surface, but also effectively alleviate the volume expansion caused by the host material during charging and discharging cycles.