MXenes for Sulfur-Based Batteries

Sulfur-based batteries are regarded as potent candidates for next-generation high-energy and low-cost energy storage systems. However, sulfur-based batteries still face substantial obstacles on the cathode side (e.g., low conductivity and sluggish reaction kinetics of sulfur) and the anode side (e.g., dendrite growth), severely hindering their utilization. MXenes (i.e., 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides), as an emerging member of the 2D material family, possess unique electrochemical and electronic properties, which make them attractive materials to enhance the performance of sulfur-based batteries. In this article, a comprehensive review of the research progress on using MXenes in sulfur-based batteries is provided. The basics of MXene and sulfur-based batteries are introduced first, wherein the merits of applying MXenes in sulfur-based batteries are discussed. Subsequently, the progress in this field is systematically summarized in terms of the roles of MXene in sulfur-based batteries, including MXene as sulfur host, MXene-based composite as sulfur host, MXene-based separator modification, and MXene-based advanced electrodes. In the end, recommendations for specific future research directions to advance the development of MXenes for sulfur-based batteries are outlined.