Facilitating\nIon Storage and Transport Pathways by\nIn Situ Constructing 1D Carbon Nanotube Electric Bridges between 2D\nMXene Interlayers

Multiple\nvan der Waals (vdW) gaps invoke abundant opportunities\nfor contriving artificial architectures and tailoring desired properties\nvia the intercalation route beyond the reach of conventional concepts.\nIntriguingly, the electrochemical intercalation strategy can precisely\nand reversibly tune the intercalation stage of charged functional\nspecies. This study presents a valid structural editing protocol facilitated\nby electrochemical intercalation to engineer MXene interlayers, ultimately\nincorporating in situ constructed carbon nanotube (CNT) electric bridges\nfor enhanced ion storage and transport pathways. The method allows\nfor the precise modulation of electrochemical forces to tailor materials\nfor specific applications. Deep intercalation and in situ growth processes\nestablish robust anchoring sites and connectivity hubs between MXenes\nand CNTs, ensuring structural homogeneity and stability in advanced\nelectrode materials. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of\nelectrochemistry-mediated interlayer\nnanoengineering in MXenes, offering a versatile approach to design\nvdW heterostructures with tailored functionalities for energy storage\nand conversion applications. This work highlights the potential of\nelectrochemical modulation in advancing materials engineering strategies\nfor next-generation energy storage technologies.