Open AccessEfficient Energy Conversion and Storage Based on Robust Fluoride‐Free Self‐Assembled 1D Niobium Carbide in 3D Nanowire Network
Author(s) -
Pang SinYi,
Io WengFu,
Wong LokWing,
Zhao Jiong,
Hao Jianhua
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.201903680
Subject(s) - mxenes , overpotential , materials science , niobium carbide , nitride , fluoride , nanowire , carbide , energy storage , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , electrochemistry , electrode , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , layer (electronics) , composite material , physics , power (physics) , quantum mechanics , engineering
Owing to their high robustness and conductivity, 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides known as MXenes are considered as a promising material class for electrochemical catalysis, energy conversion, and storage applications. Nevertheless, conventional hazardous fluoride‐based synthesis routes and the intense intralayer bonding restrict the development of MXenes. Herein, a fluoride‐free, facile, and rapid method for synthesizing self‐assembled 1D architecture from an MXene‐based compound is reported. The MXene nanowire (NW) not only provides a robust connection to the flexible substrate but also effectively increases the electrochemically active surface area. The kinetics‐favorable structure yields a boosted performance for the hydrogen/oxygen evolution reaction and the intake of the zinc ion. The 1D NW based on MXene compound maintains high stability in a quite low overpotential of 236 mV for 24 h without detachment from the substrate and manifests an exceptional high‐power density of 420 W kg −1 over 150 cycles as a flexible aqueous zinc ion battery. This work paves a novel and non‐toxic synthesis method for the 1D nanofiber structure from MXene composition and demonstrates its multifunctional applications for energy conversion and storage.