Intralayered Ostwald Ripening-Induced Self-Catalyzed Growth of CNTs on MXene for Robust Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

The distinguishable physicochemical properties of MXenes render them attractive in electrochemical energy storage. However, the strong tendency to self-restack owing to the van der Waals interactions between the MXene layers incurs a massive decrease in surface area and blocking of ions transfer and electrolytes penetration. Here, in situ generated Ti C T MXene-carbon nanotubes (Ti C T -CNTs) hybrids are reported via low-temperature self-catalyzing growth of CNTs on Ti C T nanosheets without the addition of any catalyst precursors. With combined spectroscopic studies and theoretical calculation results, it is certified that the intralayered Ostwald ripening-induced Ti C T nanomesh structure contributes to the uniform precipitation of ultrafine metal Ti catalysts on Ti C T , thus giving rise to the in situ CNTs formation on the surface of Ti C T with high integrity. Taking advantages of intimate electrolyte penetration, unobstructed 3D Li /e transport, and rich electroactive sites, the Ti C T -CNTs hybrids are confirmed to be ideal 3D scaffolds for accommodating sulfur and regulating the polysulfides conversion for high-loaded lithium-sulfur batteries.