A three-in-one Ti3C2Tx MXene additive for low-temperature ultrathick electrodes
摘要
Ultrathick electrodes have aroused a burgeoning interest for their high mass loading and great energy density which is especially critical in cold regions. However, the adoption of various additives such as conductive agents, and polymer binder, limits the maximization of active content in the whole electrode. Herein, we explore Ti3C2Tx MXene as a three-in-one additive that can realize viscosifier, conductive agent, and active material simultaneously. Highly concentrated MXene gel has unique rheological properties that can enable the 3D printed (3DP) electrodes at a thickness of up to 1 mm. Moreover, the multi-scale porous structure introduced by the MXene additive enables rapid and highly permeable ion transport throughout the thick electrodes. Especially, a high mass loading (up to 18.4 mg cm−2) 3DP MoS3/MXene electrode with high areal capacity (up to 7.2 mA h cm−2) has been demonstrated. Even at −20 °C, it retains a capacity of 4.2 mA h cm−2. Taking sodium-ion batteries as a proof-of-concept, a 3DP full cell built with a MoS3/MXene anode and a Na3V2(PO4)3/MXene cathode harvests a high energy density of 400 Wh kg−1. The employment of multifunctional MXene opens up fruitful implications for the design of ultrathick electrodes and multiple high-energy-density batteries at low temperatures.