Recent Advances in Titanium Carbide MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x) Cathode Material for Lithium–Air Battery

Abstract

As the fossil fuels are running out, the world is advancing toward renewable energy sources and related energy storage technologies. Metal−air batteries have received significant prominence due to their high energy density compared to conventional batteries and fuel cells. Particularly, lithium−air battery has garnered tremendous attention owing to its highest theoretical energy density alongside a large cell capacity. However, technical challenges pertaining to the cathode such as cell voltage drop, carbon electrode corrosion, detrimental side reactions, electrode pore clogging, etc., still persist and hinder their commercial success. So, to improve their overall performance and make them a practical success, various cathode materials are being investigated by researchers around the globe. Nanoengineering of two-dimensional materials is one such subject under extensive investigation, where MXenes have recently emerged as strong candidates with their unique properties such as high hydrophilicity, large interlayer spacing, and high mechanical stability. MXenes with high electrical conductivity and catalytic activity possess a huge potential for applications in energy storage. Over the past few years, more than 30 MXenes with different chemistries have been synthesized for various applications. Yet, titanium carbide MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x ) remains as the most studied MXene, mainly, but not exclusively, for its high electrical conductivity, which makes it a suitable choice for electrode material. This review presents an overview of MXene, its syntheses, and an up-to-date summary from the literature focused on the potential use of TiC MXenes as cathodes in Li−air batteries.

Recent Advances in the Development of Li‐Air Batteries, Experimental and Predictive Approaches – Prospective, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…Catalysts like platinum and other transition metal compounds are being explored to improve reaction kinetics 100. Nanomaterials and nanostructures: Utilizing nanomaterials and nanostructured electrodes can enhance the surface area and provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions. This can lead to faster reaction kinetics, reduced mass transport limitations, and lower overpotential 101, 102. Electrolyte design: Tailoring the electrolyte composition can influence ion transport and reaction kinetics. Using suitable electrolytes that are compatible with the battery's materials and can support the desired electrochemical reactions can help reduce overpotential 103. Surface modification: Coating the electrode surfaces with protective layers or functional materials can enhance the stability of the electrode‐electrolyte interface.…”

“…2) Nanomaterials and nanostructures: Utilizing nanomaterials and nanostructured electrodes can enhance the surface area and provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions. This can lead to faster reaction kinetics, reduced mass transport limitations, and lower overpotential [101,102]. 3) Electrolyte design: Tailoring the electrolyte composition can influence ion transport and reaction kinetics.…”

Hydrothermally Synthesized Z-Scheme Nanocomposite of ZIF-9 Modified MXene for Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Chlorophenol

“…The utilization of nanomaterials as photocatalysts is a perfect candidate for wastewater treatment with their unique properties, such as enhanced reactivity, high surface area, and efficient electron transfer capabilities . MXene (a two-dimensional transition metal carbide, nitride, or carbonitride) with a unique 2D structure, large surface area, and high electrical conductivity offers promising photocatalytic reactions. , However, there are some challenges as single photocatalysts due to limited absorption in the visible range, rapid charge carrier recombination, and susceptibility to surface reactivity . To address these issues, synthesizing MXene nanocomposites emerges as a strategic solution.…”

Recent advances in synthesis and properties of zirconium‐based MXenes for application in rechargeable batteries

“…17 In the family of MXenes, titanium-based MXenes are widely explored candidates found suitable for a plethora of applications. [18][19][20][21][22] Various other transition metalsbased MXenes are niobium-based MXenes, 18 vanadiumbased MXenes, 23 molybdenum-based MXenes, 24 zirconium (Zr)-based MXenes, 25 and so forth. These materials are in the developing stage and more explanation is indeed to explore these materials to understand their properties, MAX phase preparation, synthesis, and applications.…”

“…Among the various layered 2D materials, transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides, collectively called as MXenes, are the emerging materials having efficient physiochemical properties suitable for various applications 17 . In the family of MXenes, titanium‐based MXenes are widely explored candidates found suitable for a plethora of applications 18‐22 . Various other transition metals‐based MXenes are niobium‐based MXenes, 18 vanadium‐based MXenes, 23 molybdenum‐based MXenes, 24 zirconium (Zr)‐based MXenes, 25 and so forth.…”