Self-assembly construction of hollow Ti3C2Tx Submicro-Tubes towards efficient alkali metal ion storage

MXenes have shown enormous potential in various electrochemical energy-related fields due to their excellent electronic and mechanical properties. However, the serious stacking of two-dimensional (2D) Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets (NSs) always results in modest reversible capacities and reaction kinetics when serving as an anode material for rechargeable batteries. To well address the issues, an electrospinning involved self-assembly methodology is first designed here to construct hollow Ti 3 C 2 T x submicro-tubes (Ti 3 C 2 T x -SMT) assembled with monolayered NSs. Moreover, the underlying formation mechanism of the Ti 3 C 2 T x -SMT is rationally put forward with comprehensive physicochemical analysis. The optimized Ti 3 C 2 T x -SMT with an ultra-thin wall of just several Ti 3 C 2 T x layers in thickness is endowed with abundant active sites and convenient ion diffusion/transport pathways, enhancing the electrochemical utilization, which guarantees its excellent alkali metal ion (Li + , Na + and K + ) storage behaviors in terms of both high-rate reversible capacities and long-duration cycle stability. More significantly, our contribution here provides a guiding design of 2D ultrathin materials as universal electrodes for advanced alkali metal ion batteries and beyond.