Compressible and Lightweight MXene/Carbon Nanofiber Aerogel with Layer-Strut Bracing Microscopic Architecture for Efficient Energy Storage

Two-dimensional MXene has recently captured widespread research attention in energy storage and conversion fields due to its high conductivity, large specific surface area, and remarkable electro-activity. However, its performance is still hindered by severe self-restacking of MXene flakes. Herein, conductive Ti3C2Tx/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite aerogel with typical layer-strut bracing 3D microscopic architecture has been fabricated via synergistic assembly and freeze-drying process. In virtu of the strong interfacial interaction between polymeric precursor nanofibers and MXene mono-layers, gelation capability and 3D formability of Ti3C2Tx is greatly reinforced, as resulted Ti3C2Tx/CNF aerogels possess a highly ordered microporous structure with interlayered CNF penetrating between large size MXene lamellae. This special configuration guarantees the stability and pliability of the composite aerogels. Furthermore, the 3D form interconnected conductive network and the parallell alignment of the pores allow free electrical carriers motion and ion migration. As a result, the prepared Ti3C2Tx/CNF aerogel-based electrode exhibits an exceptional gravimetric specific capacitance of 268 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.5 A g(-1) and an excellent cycling stability of 8000 cylcles, and the assembled symmetric supercapacitor, delivers a high energy density of 3.425 W h kg(-1) at 6000 W kg(-1). This work offers a new route for the rational construction of 3D MXene assembly for advanced energy storage materials.

Automated summary

This research fabricates a conductive Ti3C2Tx/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite aerogel with a typical layer-strut bracing 3D microscopic architecture through synergistic assembly and freeze-drying process. The resulting Ti3C2Tx/CNF aerogels possess a highly ordered microporous structure with interlayered CNF, guaranteeing the stability and pliability of the composite aerogels. The fabricated Ti3C2Tx/CNF aerogel-based electrode demonstrates exceptional gravimetric specific capacitance and cycling stability, and the assembled symmetric supercapacitor delivers a high energy density. This work provides a new approach for the rational construction of 3D MXene assembly for advanced energy storage materials.