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He L, Zhuang H, Fan Q, Yu P, Wang S, Pang Y, Chen K, Liang K. Advances and challenges in MXene-based electrocatalysts: unlocking the potential for sustainable energy conversion. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024. [PMID: 39188198 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00845f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional materials, have garnered significant attention for their promising electrocatalytic properties in various energy conversion applications such as water splitting, fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and nitrogen reduction reactions. Their excellent electrical conductivity, high specific surface area, and versatile surface chemistry enable exceptional catalytic performance. This review highlights recent advancements in the design and application strategies of MXenes as electrocatalysts, focusing on key reactions including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). We discuss the tunability of MXenes' layered structures and surface properties through surface modification, MXene lattice substitution, defect and morphology engineering, and heterostructure construction. Despite the considerable progress, MXenes face challenges such as restacking during catalysis, stability issues, and difficulties in large-scale production. Addressing these challenges through innovative engineering approaches and advancing industrial synthesis techniques is crucial for the broader application of MXene-based materials. Our review underscores the potential of MXenes in transforming electrocatalytic processes and highlights future research directions to optimize their catalytic efficiency and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei He
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Data-Driven High-Safety Energy Materials and Applications, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Special Energy Materials and Chemistry, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China.
| | - Haizheng Zhuang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Data-Driven High-Safety Energy Materials and Applications, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Special Energy Materials and Chemistry, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China.
| | - Qi Fan
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Data-Driven High-Safety Energy Materials and Applications, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Special Energy Materials and Chemistry, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Rd, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping Yu
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Shengchao Wang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Data-Driven High-Safety Energy Materials and Applications, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Special Energy Materials and Chemistry, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Rd, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yifan Pang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ke Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Data-Driven High-Safety Energy Materials and Applications, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Special Energy Materials and Chemistry, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China.
- Qianwan Institute of CNITECH, Ningbo 315336, China
| | - Kun Liang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Data-Driven High-Safety Energy Materials and Applications, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Special Energy Materials and Chemistry, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China.
- Qianwan Institute of CNITECH, Ningbo 315336, China
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Gandla D, Li Q, Zhou Y, Yan Y, Liu Z, Chen J, Tan DQ. In-Plane Mesoporous 3D Flower-Like Mo 2Ti 2C 3Cl x MXene Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries: From Structure to Performance. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2404880. [PMID: 39040006 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202404880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
MXenes are known for their exceptional electrical conductivity and surface functionality, gaining interest as promising anode materials for Li-ion batteries. However, conventional 2D multilayered MXenes often exhibit limited electrochemical applicability due to slow ion transport kinetics and low structural stability. Addressing these challenges, this study develops a 3D flower-type double transition metal MXene, Mo2Ti2C3Clx, with precisely engineered in-plane mesoporosity using HF-free Lewis acid-assisted molten salt method, coupled with intercalation and freeze-drying. The molar ratio of Lewis acid to eutectic salts is meticulously controlled to create the mesoporosity, which is preserved through freeze-drying. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations assess the impact of in-plane pore size on the structure and transport dynamics of electrolyte components. Density functional theory (DFT) shows that chlorine surface functional groups significantly reduce Li-ion diffusion barriers, thereby enhancing ion transport and battery performance. Electrochemical evaluations reveal that small-sized (2-5 nm) mesoporous Mo2Ti2C3Clx achieves a specific capacity of 324 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 and maintains 97% capacity after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g-1, outperforming larger-pored (10 nm) and non-porous variants. This research highlights a scalable strategy for designing mesoporous materials that optimize ion transport and structural stability, essential for advancing next-generation high-performance energy storage solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayakar Gandla
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials and Technologies for Energy Conversion, 241 Daxue Road, Shantou, 515063, P. R. China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
| | - Yun'an Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
| | - Yihao Yan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoxi Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
| | - Daniel Q Tan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials and Technologies for Energy Conversion, 241 Daxue Road, Shantou, 515063, P. R. China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
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Gandara M, Mladenović D, Oliveira Martins MDJ, Rakocevic L, Kruszynski de Assis JM, Šljukić B, Sarmento Gonçalves E. MAX Phase (Nb 4AlC 3) For Electrocatalysis Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310576. [PMID: 38402439 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In search for novel materials to replace noble metal-based electrocatalysts in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices, special attention is given to a distinct class of materials, MAX phase that combines advantages of ceramic and metallic properties. Herein, Nb4AlC3 MAX phase is prepared by a solid-state mixing reaction and characterized morphologically and structurally by transmission and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, nitrogen-sorption, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical performance of Nb4AlC3 in terms of capacitance as well as for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is evaluated in different electrolytes. The specific capacitance Cs of 66.4, 55.0, and 46.0 F g-1 at 5 mV s-1 is determined for acidic, neutral and alkaline medium, respectively. Continuous cycling reveals high capacitance retention in three electrolyte media; moreover, increase of capacitance is observed in acidic and neutral media. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed a low charge transfer resistance of 64.76 Ω cm2 that resulted in better performance for HER in acidic medium (Tafel slope of 60 mV dec-1). In alkaline media, the charge storage value in the double layer is 360 mF cm-2 (0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode) and the best ORR performance of the Nb4AlC3 is achieved in this medium (Tafel slope of 126 mV dec-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriene Gandara
- Technological Institute of Aviation, Space Science and Technology Graduate Program, Praça Marechal Eduardo Gomes, São José dos Campos, 50 e 12228-615, Brazil
| | - Dušan Mladenović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physical Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, 11158, Serbia
| | - Marta de Jesus Oliveira Martins
- Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials, Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies, Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Lazar Rakocevic
- Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials, Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies, Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1049-001, Portugal
- Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Department of Atomic Physics, 12-14 Mike Petrovića Street, Belgrade, 11351, Serbia
| | - João Marcos Kruszynski de Assis
- Institute of Aeronautics and Space, Materials Division, Praça Marechal Eduardo Gomes, São José dos Campos, 50 e 12228-904, Brazil
| | - Biljana Šljukić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physical Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, 11158, Serbia
- Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials, Laboratory for Physics of Materials and Emerging Technologies, Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Emerson Sarmento Gonçalves
- Technological Institute of Aviation, Space Science and Technology Graduate Program, Praça Marechal Eduardo Gomes, São José dos Campos, 50 e 12228-615, Brazil
- Institute of Aeronautics and Space, Materials Division, Praça Marechal Eduardo Gomes, São José dos Campos, 50 e 12228-904, Brazil
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Xiao J, Yu P, Gao H, Yao J. Endogenous Nb 2CT x/Nb 2O 5 Schottky heterostructures for superior lithium-ion storage. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 652:113-121. [PMID: 37591072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Schottky heterostructures have significant advantages for exciting charge transfer kinetics at material interfaces. In this work, endogenous Nb2CTx/Nb2O5 Schottky heterostructures with a large active surface area were constructed using an in-situ architectural strategy. The semiconductor Nb2O5 has a low work function, and during the construction of Nb2CTx/Nb2O5 Schottky heterostructures, there was an interfacial electron transfer, which resulted in a built-in electric field. The electrochemical reaction kinetics of Nb2CTx/Nb2O5 Schottky heterostructures were enhanced due to the rapid transfer of charge driven by the electric field. The Nb2CTx/Nb2O5 Schottky heterostructures have a large active surface area, which contributes to excellent electrolyte diffusion kinetics. Therefore, Nb2CTx/Nb2O5 Schottky heterostructures have excellent lithium-ion storage capacity with 575 mAh/g after 200 cycles at 0.10 A/g, and 290 mAh/g after 1000 cycles at 2.00 A/g, without capacity fading. Furthermore, in-situ X-ray diffraction and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses reveal the mechanisms for structure evolution and lithium-ion storage optimization of Nb2CTx/Nb2O5 Schottky heterostructures during the electrochemical reaction. The construction of Schottky heterostructures with excited charge transport kinetics provides a novel idea for optimizing the lithium-ion storage activity of MXenes materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, PR China; School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, PR China
| | - Peng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, PR China
| | - Hong Gao
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, PR China.
| | - Jing Yao
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, PR China.
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Cui Y, Zhou X, Huang X, Xu L, Tang S. Binary Transition-Metal Sulfides/MXene Synergistically Promote Polysulfide Adsorption and Conversion in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:49223-49232. [PMID: 37838949 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Currently, severe shuttle effects and sluggish conversion kinetics are the main obstacles to the advancement of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Modification of the battery separator by a catalyst is a promising approach to tackle these problems, but simultaneously obtaining rich catalytic active sites, high conductivity, and remarkable stability remains a great challenge. Herein, a flower-like MXene/MoS2/SnS@C heterostructure as the functional intercalation of Li-S batteries was prepared for accelerating the synergistic adsorption-electrocatalysis of sulfur conversion. The MXene skeleton constructs a three-dimensional conductive network that anchors polysulfides and enhances charge transfer. Meanwhile, the MoS2/SnS has rich active sites for accelerating polysulfide conversion, leading to excellent electrochemical performances. A battery with MXene/MoS2/SnS@C displays an extraordinary capacity of 836.1 mAh g-1 over 200 cycles at 0.5C and demonstrates a remarkable cycling stability with a capacity attenuation of approximately 0.051% per cycle during 1000 cycles at 2C. When the sulfur loading reaches 5.1 mg cm-2, the capacity still maintains 722.4 mAh g-1 over 50 cycles. This research proposes a novel strategy to design stable catalysts for Li-S batteries with an extended lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Cui
- Key National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoya Zhou
- Key National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
- Haian Institute of High-Tech Research, Nanjing University, Haian 226600, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- Key National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
| | - Lei Xu
- Key National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
| | - Shaochun Tang
- Key National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
- Haian Institute of High-Tech Research, Nanjing University, Haian 226600, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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6
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Chi Z, Ding J, Ding C, Cui B, Wang W, Wang G. A Heterostructured Gel Polymer Electrolyte Modified by MoS 2 for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:39342-39350. [PMID: 37556723 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
In Li-S batteries, the shuttle effect of polysulfide lithium (LiPS) on the cathode side and the growth of lithium dendrites on the anode side are two major problems that lead to an insufficient cycle life. Herein, in light of the challenges brought on by the different chemical environments on both sides of Li-S batteries, a heterostructured poly(ethyl acrylate-co-ionic liquid) gel electrolyte with a single-sided electrocatalytic reduced graphene oxide/MoS2 coating (MoS2@rGO-GPE) was developed in order to assemble a high-performance Li-S battery with a self-supporting graphene sulfur cathode. In such a device architecture, there is multiposition suppression of the shuttle effect; that is, the confinement of the graphene foam, the catalysis of the MoS2 composite, and the capture of the gel polymer electrolyte. Our results show that the ionic conductivity of the heterostructured electrolyte is 1.98 mS cm-1, and the Li ion transference number reaches 0.81. The assembled lithium-sulfur battery displays a high initial discharge capacity of 1027 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C, superior cycle stability (80% capacity retention after 500 cycles), and excellent rate performance. This design strategy provides a valuable route for the development of high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyun Chi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Jianlong Ding
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Chao Ding
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Bowen Cui
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Wenqiang Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Gengchao Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
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Zong H, Liu W, Li M, Gong S, Yu K, Zhu Z. Oxygen-Terminated Nb 2CO 2 MXene with Interfacial Self-Assembled COF as a Bifunctional Catalyst for Durable Zinc-Air Batteries. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:10738-10746. [PMID: 35170933 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c25264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The desirable air cathode in Zn-air batteries (ZABs) that can effectively balance oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions not only needs to adjust the electronic structure of the catalyst but also needs a unique physical structure to cope with the complex gas-liquid environment. In this work, first-principles calculations were carried out to prove that oxygen-terminated Nb2CO2 MXene played an active role in enhancing the sluggish reaction of oxygen intermediates. Nb2CO2 MXene could also stimulate the spatial accumulation of discharge products, which was beneficial to improve the stability of secondary ZABs. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to show that the confinement effect of COF could effectively regulate the concentration of O2 on the surface of Nb2CO2@COF, which was conducive to an efficient and durable reaction. COF-LZU1 was self-assembled on the interface of Nb2CO2 MXene (Nb2CO2@COF) for the first time. The Nb2CO2@COF electrode had excellent OER/ORR overpotentials with the potential difference (ΔE) of 0.79 V. When applied to the configuration of ZABs, Nb2CO2@COF showed a power density of 75 mW cm-2 and favorable long-term charge/discharge stability, so it could be used as a potential candidate cathode for noble-metal-based catalysts. This idea of combining MXenes and COFs sheds some light on the design of ZABs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zong
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices (MOE), Department of Electronics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Weicai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices (MOE), Department of Electronics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mengshu Li
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices (MOE), Department of Electronics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Shijing Gong
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices (MOE), Department of Electronics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ke Yu
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices (MOE), Department of Electronics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices (MOE), Department of Electronics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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