MXenes and MXene-Based Composites: Preparation, Characteristics, Theoretical Investigations, and Application in Developing Sulfur Cathodes, Lithium Anodes, and Functional Separators for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are favorable candidates for advanced energy storage, boasting a remarkable theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg⁻¹. Moreover, several challenges hinder their practical implementation, including sulfur’s intrinsic electrical insulation, the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), sluggish redox kinetics of Li₂S₂/Li₂S, and the uncontrolled growth of Li dendrites. These issues pose significant obstacles to the commercialization of LSBs. A viable strategy to address these challenges involves using MXene materials, 2D transition metal carbides, and nitrides (TMCs/TMNs) as hosts, functional separators, or interlayers. MXenes offer exceptional electronic conductivity, adjustable structural properties, and abundant polar functional groups, enabling strong interactions with both S cathodes and Li anodes. Despite their advantages, current MXene synthesis methods predominantly rely on acid etching, which is associated with environmental concerns, low production efficiency, and limited structural versatility, restricting their potential in LSBs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of traditional and environmentally sustainable MXene synthesis techniques, emphasizing their applications in developing S cathodes, Li anodes, and functional separators for LSBs. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and outlines future directions for advancing MXene-based solutions in LSBs technology.