Electrode design and interface engineering of MXenes promote energy storage applications

Transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) exhibit exceptional metallic conductivity and precisely tunable interlayer spacing, serving as promising candidates for overcoming key bottlenecks in next-generation energy storage devices. The performance of these devices remains constrained by several interconnected challenges. Inefficient ion transport arising from tortuous pathways, size mismatch, and polarization impede reaction kinetics. Structural degradation caused by electrode expansion and active material dissolution further reduce performance. Furthermore, interface issues such as corrosion, dendrite growth, and high impedance also severely limit efficiency. In this review, we summarize strategies for constructing composites with dimensional materials from zero-dimension (0D) to three-dimensions (3D). Emphasis is placed on synergistic enhancement mechanisms. We further evaluate the role of MXenes in addressing interfacial challenges like ion deposition, shuttle effect, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and contact resistance. Building on these insights, we discuss solutions for the practical application of MXene-based energy storage devices. This Review summarizes strategies for constructing composites based on MXenes for addressing challenges MXenes face in energy storage applications, such as ion deposition, shuttle effect, solid-electrolyte interphase formation, and contact resistance.