A Review of MXene's Retroactive Development in Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

Abstract This review gives a concise summary of MXenes—a new family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides—applied to electrochemical energy storage. Due to their high electrical conductivity (up to 10,000 S/cm), their surface terminations can be tailored, and their novel layered structure, MXenes have superior charge storage properties, rapid ion diffusion, and high energy densities. All these qualities render extremely promising for application in supercapacitors, lithium/sodium/zinc‐ion batteries, and hybrid energy storage devices. Recent studies showcase notable enhancements in rate capability, cycle stability, and specific capacitance through composite construction, interfacial engineering, and surface functionalization. Notwithstanding such developments, the overarching challenges are still restacking of nanosheets, oxidation at ambient conditions, and scalability in synthesis. To overcome the same, approaches like interlayer spacing modulation, optimization of surface groups, and incorporation with hybrid electrolytes have been suggested for improving electrochemical performance as well as long‐term stability. This review critically appraises recent advancements in MXene‐based materials, examining the interplay between structure, surface chemistry, and electrochemical performance. In addition, it provides future directions for research that will address material and engineering constraints to enable the development of high‐performance, long‐lasting, and scalable MXene‐based energy storage devices for future sustainable technologies.

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