Burgeoning Silicon/MXene Nanocomposites for Lithium Ion Batteries: A Review

Abstract

Silicon‐based materials are regarded as the most promising negative electrode materials for next‐generation high‐energy lithium ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity, low lithiation plateau and low cost, but they still suffer from dramatic volume variation during charge/discharge and sluggish kinetics, substantially restricting their practical applications. Recently, 2D MXenes are demonstrated to improve the electrochemical performances of Si‐based materials owing to their metallic conductivity, large surface aspect ratio, rich surface chemistry, good mechanical strength, etc. Serving as conductive host, MXenes can alleviate the volume expansion of Si during lithiation, enhance the electronic conductivity of the composite and facilitate the electron/ion transport, thus making the resultant Si/MXene composites exhibit excellent performance as negative electrodes of secondary batteries. Herein, an overview toward the recent advances of Si/MXene nanocomposites is presented for lithium storage applications. The preparation strategies and structural characteristics of the Si/MXene nanocomposites are introduced. The applications of diverse Si/MXene nanostructures such as powders, 3D architectures, films and fibers, in lithium ion batteries with corresponding structure‐performance relationships are discussed. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for the future research of Si/MXene nanocomposites are highlighted, aiming to provide a fundamental reference in designing advanced Si/MXene nanocomposites for high‐energy lithium ion batteries.

MXene materials in electrochemical energy storage systems

“…36–38 They have shown potential in the most representative energy storage systems, such as supercapacitors and secondary batteries. 39–44 Supercapacitors have high power density and fast charging and discharging rates, making them suitable for mobile applications such as power sources for electric vehicles. 45,46 The demand for carbon emission suppression has driven current interest in hybrid vehicles, occupying an increasing market share and greatly stimulating research interest in low-cost and long cycle-life batteries.…”

Porous hybrid encapsulation enables high-rate lithium storage for a micron-sized SiO anode

“…19,20 Moreover, the abundant end groups (e.g., -OH, -F) on the Ti 3 C 2 T x nanolayers are more conducive to forming interfacial assemblies with other substances. 21,22 Recently, Zhang et al reported that the heterogeneous coating interface of MXene and porous graphene can considerably ameliroate the rate performance and prolong the cycling ability of SiO. 23 However, the graphene outer layer will intensify the deoxidation process of solvent molecules, forming an unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI).…”