MXenes as advanced electrode materials for sustainable energy storage and conversion applications: A review

Metal carbides or nitrides known as MXenes have recently emerged as excellent electrode materials for sustainable energy devices such as batteries, supercapacitors (SCs), fuel and solar cells. Their metallic conductivity, good hydrophilic nature, and served as excellent templates for growing other materials with tunable properties make MXenes as highly promising options for a range of energy conversion and storage applications. This review summarizes the current advancements in energy conversion and storage utilizing two-dimensional (2D) MXene as electrode materials. The foundational principles of energy conversion and storage systems are initially explored. The subsequent sections will concentrate on the synthesis methods of MXenes, highlighting their distinctive properties. Next, a comprehensive examination of the current advancements in MXene-based electrode materials for energy storage devices, including SCs and various types of metal ion batteries, is conducted. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying energy storage, common challenges faced, and potential strategies for addressing these issues through the use of MXene are examined with illustrative examples. Furthermore, recent advancements emphasized MXene's use in energy conversion devices, including solar cells, fuel cells, and catalysis. The discussion concludes with an exploration of the potential applications of MXene-based devices in energy conversion and storage applications for sustainable technologies. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.