Turning waste into power: Ti-C MXene prepared using recycled plant carbon and wasted kitchen aluminium foil as high-rate cathodes for Li and Na batteries

This work presents a cost-effective and environmental approach for the synthesis of Ti-C-based MXene electrodes using recycled precursors - plant-derived activated carbon and discarded kitchen aluminium foil. Through optimized high-temperature processing, we obtained high-purity Ti 2 AlC/Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phases, followed by selective etching via a LiF/HCl route to produce delaminated Ti 2 CT x MXene films. Comprehensive structural characterization confirmed the high crystalline quality and phase purity of the materials, while spectroscopic analysis demonstrated well-defined surface terminations and preserved layered morphology. The resulting MXene films, fabricated without binders, conductive additives or metallic current collectors, were directly applied as cathodes in both lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. Electrochemical testing revealed excellent performance, with maximal specific capacities reaching ∼200 mAh/g at discharge current 0.1 A/g (0.5 C), robust rate capability, and over 83% capacity retention after 5000 cycles at 10 A/g for lithium-ion batteries. In sodium-ion batteries, the electrodes exhibited strong pseudocapacitive behavior, high reversibility, and stable cycling performance (after 1000 cycles capacity preservation is about 94%) with capacities exceeding 120 mAh/g. These findings underscore the potential of recycled precursors in the fabrication of high-performance Ti–C MXene cathodes for both lithium- and sodium-ion systems, offering a sustainable and cost-effective route for the development of innovative energy storage technologies. • First report on recycled carbon and kitchen Al foil for Ti–C MXene synthesis. • High-purity Ti–Al–C MAX phases achieved using fully recycled precursors. • Recycling-based synthesis minimizes environmental impact and energy use. • Binder-free MXene cathodes show excellent Li- and Na-ion electrochemical behavior. • Obtained electrodes provide high power and energy densities.