Recent advances in MXene-based nanocomposites for supercapacitors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• MXene materials are promising for electrochemical energy storage due to their 2D structure, conductivity, and tunable properties.
• Their application in supercapacitors is significant, but nanosheet restacking limits performance.
• MXene-based nanocomposites are developed to mitigate restacking and improve electrochemical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review MXene synthesis strategies, including etching, intercalation, and exfoliation.
• To discuss the charge storage mechanisms of MXenes in various electrolytes.
• To summarize preparation strategies and applications of MXene-based nanocomposites in supercapacitors.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on MXene synthesis and modification.
• Analysis of charge storage mechanisms in supercapacitors.
• Compilation of data on MXene-based nanocomposites (e.g., MXene/metal oxide, MXene/metal sulfide, MXene/conducting polymer, MXene/carbon-based).

Main Results:

• MXene properties make them suitable for supercapacitors, but restacking is a key challenge.
• MXene-based nanocomposites demonstrate enhanced electrochemical performance compared to pristine MXenes.
• Various composite strategies effectively prevent restacking and improve energy storage.

Conclusions:

• MXene-based nanocomposites are a viable strategy to overcome the limitations of 2D MXene materials in supercapacitors.
• Combining MXenes with other active materials offers synergistic benefits for electrochemical energy storage.
• Further research is needed to address challenges in the long-term stability and scalability of these nanocomposites.