Recent Interface Interactions Engineering in MXene Composite Cathodes for Enhanced Zinc-Ion Batteries

Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ARZIBs) represent a promising technology for safe and scalable energy storage, yet their practical development is hindered by significant challenges in cathode stability and kinetics. While interfacial engineering is recognized as a key strategy, a systematic framework to deconstruct and compare the diverse interaction mechanisms across material families is needed. This review addresses this need by analyzing recent progress in MXene composite cathodes through a unique dual-framework perspective, focusing on interfacial bonding strength (weak vs. strong) and spatial integration geometry (surface-confined vs. interlayer-embedded). This approach provides a unified lens to elucidate distinct structure-performance relationships across vanadium-based, manganese-based, and other cathode materials. The analysis clarifies that the deliberate construction of strong chemical coupling at the interface is a decisive factor for achieving superior cycling stability and high-rate capability. More importantly, we further elucidate the evolving roles of MXenes as active hosts and as precursors for MXene-derived cathodes. Finally, the review synthesizes an integrated roadmap, emphasizing the synergistic advancement of interface design, synthesis, characterization, and application to guide the future development of durable and high-performance ARZIBs.