Recent advances in two-dimensional MXenes for zinc-ion batteries

Abstract

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have become one of the most promising energy storage devices because of their inherent safety, high theoretical specific capacity, low redox potential, environmental friendliness, and cost effectiveness. However, the development of ZIBs is greatly limited by the low actual specific capacity, energy density, and power density. The discovery of MXene with excellent conductivity, high hydrophilicity, and good mechanical properties for the first time in 2011 has aroused numerous attention for energy storage application. In recent years, the understanding of zinc-ion storage mechanism of MXene has undergone profound changes, and its applications have also become diversified, demonstrating the great potential of MXene for high performance ZIBs. In this paper, the merits and demerits of various MXene synthesis schemes in recent years are summarized systematically. Subsequently, the application of MXene to the cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator of ZIBs and some study reports on MXene-based flexible ZIBs are introduced. Among them, the application mechanism and current research status of MXene in each part is summarized. Finally, the application development of MXene in ZIBs is comprehensively prospected and provides some guidance for researchers.