Exploring the potential of MXene nanohybrids as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are an integral part of modern life, powering diverse applications from transportable devices to electric vehicles. Efficacy of LIBs depends on the performance of their components with anode material playing the pivotal role. Traditional graphite anodes have limitations in capacity and rate capability. This review comprehensively discusses utilization of MXene-based composites as anode materials in LIBs. MXene composites exhibit versatile lithium storage mechanisms, involving intercalation and/or conversion reactions. Pure MXenes offer advantages of high capacity and cycling stability having challenges due to limited conductivity and mechanical fragility, restricting their practical utility, thereby affecting their performance in solid-state polymer electrolytes (SPEs). MXene composites overcome unsystematic dispersal and accumulation issues of pure MXene. MXenes in composite form could increase LIBs performance by overcoming limitations of pure MXenes, enabling breakthroughs in energy storage. The review covers different MXene composites viz., MXene/graphene, MXene/ silicon, MXene/tin, MXene/carbon, MXene/metal oxide, and MXene/conducting polymer providing a holistic overview. Their performance, cycling stability, and rate capability are discussed to cover challenges and future prospects.