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.
Authors
- Kosuke Kawai (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3840-2198)
- Masashi Okubo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7741-5234)
- T. Hirayama
- Kazuo Yamamoto
- Masaki Fujita
- Yuki Nomura
Institutions
- Waseda University (JP)
- Japan Fine Ceramics Center (JP)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Small
- Published
- 2026-01-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202513159
- Primary Topic
- MXene and MAX Phase Materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00