MXenes and their derivatives for advanced aqueous rechargeable batteries

Aqueous batteries are emerging power sources due to the merits of high safety, low cost, environmental friendliness, etc. However, several key issues such as narrow electrochemical stability window, dissolution of active materials, notorious dendrite growth and poor cycling lifespan hinder the practical application of aqueous batteries. Recently, 2D MXenes and their derivatives for aqueous batteries have exhibited substantial encouraging progress due to the special characters. The related researches have dramatically increased since 2019. However, comprehensive reviews on this topic are rare. Herein, the latest advances of MXenes and their derivatives for aqueous Zn-, Li-, Na- and dual-ion batteries are systematically reviewed, including cathode fabrication, anode design and electrolyte optimization, etc. This review aims to boost rational design strategies for practical application of aqueous batteries by combining the fundamental principle and research developments. Firstly, the fundamental background of aqueous rechargeable batteries is introduced and the superior merits for electrochemical energy storage of MXenes and their derivatives are summarized. Subsequently, the design strategies and internal mechanism of MXenes and their derivatives for aqueous batteries are comprehensively summarized and discussed. Finally, perspectives on the future design tactics of MXenes-based materials for aqueous batteries are proposed.