Low-Tortuous MXene (TiNbC) Accordion Arrays Enabled Fast Ion Diffusion and Charge Transfer in Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anodes

The widespread implementation of lithium metal anodes is indispensable for reviving high energy density lithium metal batteries. However, the sluggish ion diffusion and high charge-transfer resistance in metallic lithium anodes hamper their rate capability and practical applications. Here, low tortuous MXene arrays are developed through the ultrafast spreading of an aqueous accordion-like TiNbC-MXene dispersion onto a hydrophobic surface. The low tortuous MXene arrays facilitate the fast infiltration of electrolytes, enabling the rapid diffusion of lithium ions. The MXene arrays with Nb species significantly improve the charge transfer in the electrode, homogenizing the electric field. Thus, the low tortuous MXene arrays constructed electrode without lithium dendrites delivers a high-rate capability (20 mA cm(-2)) with a long cycle life (2500 cycles). Full cells with the dendrite, low tortuosity MXene arrays as anode show a high rate cycle stability up to 1000 cycles (4 C) under conditions of low negative/positive capacity ratio (2.0).

Automated summary

The development of low tortuous MXene arrays on a hydrophobic surface enables fast electrolyte infiltration, rapid lithium ion diffusion, and improved charge transfer in electrodes. These constructed electrodes exhibit high-rate capability and long cycle life in lithium metal batteries.