Synergistically engineered 2D MXenes for metal-ion/Li–S batteries: Progress and outlook

MXenes are a two-dimensional (2D) class of transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides that have been synthesized and developed for diverse purposes, such as energy storage devices. MXenes feature exceptional mechanical strength, outstanding hydrophilicity, and astounding dispersion quality in comparison to other 2D materials, making them perfect for the creation of films/membranes with specified morphologies and tunable nanochannels which is important for active anode material. For metal-ion and Li–S batteries, 2D MXene-based films (MFs) have received significant attention due to their outstanding ion storage, electron transport and ionic selectivity properties. In terms of flexibility, tailorability, and functionality, MFs outperform conventional electrode materials and structures, making them ideal for flexible, portable, and highly integrated devices for metal-ion and Li–S batteries. This review outlines recent advancements and well-developed methodologies in the design and manufacture of MFs for metal-ion (MIBs), (including Lithium-, Sodium-, and Potassium-ions) and lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The main design and principles of MFs-based microstructures, fabrication strategies, and deep study of metal matrix active materials, existing difficulties and promising future of MFs for MIBs and Li–S are given special attention. • Introduction, synthesis, and delamination of 2D MXenes-based flexible films. • Fabrication strategies for MXene-based films (MFs), i.e., filtration, coating, printing, and others. • Applications of MXene-based films in energy storage systems, i.e,MIBs and Li-S batteries are discussed in detail. • Summary and future prospects of MXene-based films are proposed.