Real‐Time Imaging of Intercalation–Conversion Li Storage in MXenes for Solid‐State Batteries

2D transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are promising electrode materials for next-generation energy storage devices. However, their charge-storage mechanisms in solid-state systems remain poorly understood, hindering further performance optimization. Here, Li-ion intercalation and conversion reactions in Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> are directly visualized in sulfide-based solid-state Li batteries using operando scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The real-time observations reveal three distinct reaction pathways: (i) Li (de)intercalation within the interlayer spacings of Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> accompanied by Ti redox reactions; (ii) partially reversible formation and decomposition of Li<sub>2</sub>O on the Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> surface; and (iii) electrochemical decomposition of the sulfide solid electrolyte. The Li-intercalation behavior is strongly governed by the surface terminations of Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub>: O-terminated MXenes enable efficient Li accommodation and redox activity at room temperature, whereas F- and Cl-terminated MXenes require elevated temperatures for sufficient Li penetration. These findings provide direct nanoscale evidence of intercalation and conversion processes and highlight surface-termination engineering as an effective strategy to enhance Li accommodation and improve their redox utilization in all-solid-state battery systems.

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Journal
Small
Published
2026-01-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202513159
Primary Topic
MXene and MAX Phase Materials
Type
article
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article

Real‐Time Imaging of Intercalation–Conversion Li Storage in MXenes for Solid‐State Batteries

Kosuke Kawai, Masashi Okubo, T. Hirayama, Kazuo Yamamoto et al.
Small
MXene and MAX Phase Materials
article

Real‐Time Imaging of Intercalation–Conversion Li Storage in MXenes for Solid‐State Batteries

Kosuke Kawai, Masashi Okubo, T. Hirayama, Kazuo Yamamoto, Masaki Fujita, Yuki Nomura
article en

Abstract

2D transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are promising electrode materials for next-generation energy storage devices. However, their charge-storage mechanisms in solid-state systems remain poorly understood, hindering further performance optimization. Here, Li-ion intercalation and conversion reactions in Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> are directly visualized in sulfide-based solid-state Li batteries using operando scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The real-time observations reveal three distinct reaction pathways: (i) Li (de)intercalation within the interlayer spacings of Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> accompanied by Ti redox reactions; (ii) partially reversible formation and decomposition of Li<sub>2</sub>O on the Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> surface; and (iii) electrochemical decomposition of the sulfide solid electrolyte. The Li-intercalation behavior is strongly governed by the surface terminations of Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub>: O-terminated MXenes enable efficient Li accommodation and redox activity at room temperature, whereas F- and Cl-terminated MXenes require elevated temperatures for sufficient Li penetration. These findings provide direct nanoscale evidence of intercalation and conversion processes and highlight surface-termination engineering as an effective strategy to enhance Li accommodation and improve their redox utilization in all-solid-state battery systems.

SmallVol. 22(14)
Waseda University (JP), Japan Fine Ceramics Center (JP)
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 84%
MXene and MAX Phase Materials
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Real‐Time Imaging of Intercalation–Conversion Li Storage in MXenes for Solid‐State Batteries — Kosuke Kawai, Masashi Okubo, et al. · Small (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS