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Reversible Multiple Cation Storage in High-Entropy MXenes for Durable Seawater Batteries
Yanzeng Ge1, Shuyan Lei1, Baoquan Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Tropic Ocean Engineering Materials and Materials Evaluation, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chem, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|July 24, 2026
Summary
A new high-entropy strategy unlocks MXenes for rechargeable seawater batteries (SWBs). This approach enables stable storage of multiple ions, enhancing battery performance and durability for sustainable energy solutions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Rechargeable seawater batteries (SWBs) are promising for sustainable energy storage due to abundant and safe seawater electrolytes.
- Challenges exist in conventional materials due to multiple cations in seawater, affecting reversibility and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a high-entropy strategy to enhance MXene electrochemical activity for multi-cation storage in SWBs.
- To investigate the mechanism behind the high-entropy effect on ion kinetics and structural stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-entropy strategy to modify MXene materials.
- Conducted mechanistic studies to understand the 'cocktail effect' on ion transport and structural integrity.
- Constructed a proof-of-concept SWB using a high-entropy MXene anode and a polytriphenylamine cathode.
Main Results:
- High-entropy MXene demonstrated reversible storage of monovalent (Na+, K+) and divalent (Mg2+, Ca2+) ions with zero-strain.
- The SWB achieved a specific capacity of 155 mAh g-1 with excellent rate capability (15 A g-1) and cycling durability (>11000 cycles).
- The battery maintained functionality at low temperatures (-30°C), expanding potential applications.
Conclusions:
- The 'cocktail effect' in high-entropy MXenes accelerates ion transport and stabilizes electrode structures.
- This strategy offers a new pathway for designing advanced electrodes for high-performance SWBs.
- The developed SWB shows significant potential for practical, wide-temperature range energy storage applications.
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