Research status and perspectives of MXene-based materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) as green battery systems have attracted widespread attention in large-scale electrochemical energy storage devices, owing to their high safety, abundant Zn materials, high theoretical specific capacity and low redox potential. Nevertheless, there are some thorny issues in AZIBs that hinder their practical application, such as low intrinsic electron conductivity, slow ion migration kinetics, zinc dendrites and side reactions. MXene-based materials with superior conductivity, large polar surface and abundant active sites can simultaneously serve as cathode materials, electrolyte additive and protection layer of anode to regulate redox reactions of AZIBs. Although various materials have been used to improve electrochemical performances of AZIBs, there is a lack of in-depth discussion on the regulation mechanism of MXene-based materials for AZIBs. In this review, we elaborate the research progress of MXene-based materials in AZIBs, including their application in cathode materials and inhibition of zinc dendrites. Finally, the future prospects and development directions of MXene-based materials that may improve performance of AZIBs are prospected. Graphical abstract