MXene-Based Anodes for Metal-Ion Batteries

2D transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are electrochemically active materials capable of exhibiting pseudocapacitance. Multilayer MXenes are similar to graphite, but with larger interlayer spacing and surface functionalities which allow them to readily disperse in water and undergo a range of reactions without compromising their electrical conductivity. The large interlayer spacing enables MXenes to readily intercalate large ions, and form composites with materials such as graphene, metal oxides, transition metal dichalcogenides and silicon, with which they make electrodes able to deliver exceptional capacities at high power rates over thousands of cycles. Research into MXenes for energy storage has grown exponentially since 2011, and it is now necessary, especially for readers new to the field, to review progress made in more specific areas. This critical review will therefore analyse the progress made in developing MXene-based batteries, focusing solely on anodes developed for metal-ion batteries such as Li-ion, Na-ion and K-ion.