3D macroporous Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/cellulose nanofibre/rGO hybrid aerogel electrode with superior energy density

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MXene have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional pseudocapacitance and electrical conductivity that are viable in energy storage applications. Nevertheless, the challenge of self-restacking between the 2D material surfaces and the tendency of MXene to oxidise has posed obstacles to their further utilisation. This prompted researchers to use cellulose nanofibre (CNF) as a prospective “bridge” to connect the two materials. This approach has been shown to prevent MXene from oxidising while facilitating GO conversion into rGO via reduction. Consequently, 3D macroporous Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/cellulose nanofibres/reduced graphene oxide (MCG) aerogels have been successfully prepared. A breakthrough in solving the self-stacking problem and creating a sensibly designed 3D macroporous electrode structure has yielded excellent electrochemical capabilities for MCG aerogel electrodes. Specifically at 1.0 mW cm⁻² power density, these electrodes have demonstrated an outstanding performance in 5000 cycles with 79.4% retention rate, favourable areal specific capacitance of 671 mF cm⁻² and unparalleled energy density of 60.9 mWh cm⁻². Overall, this study offers significant perspectives on the possible uses of 2D materials, especially in terms of adjusting their structure and functionality.