MXene architectures for high-performance lithium‑sulfur batteries: Progress, challenges, and future directions

Lithium‑sulfur (Li[sbnd]S) batteries have emerged as the promising candidate for next-generation high-energy-density storage systems; however, their practical applications are significantly limited by the polysulfide shuttle phenomenon and intrinsically low electronic conductivity. This review comprehensively examines the prominent role of MXene-based nanocomposites in enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li[sbnd]S batteries. Owing to their tunable transition metal compositions and surface terminations, MXenes exhibit strong adsorption capabilities toward lithium polysulfides and intrinsic catalytic activity, making them highly advantageous for Li[sbnd]S battery systems. Functionalization of MXenes with heteroatom dopants further optimizes their electronic structure and surface chemistry, which has also improved polysulfide immobilization, electron conductivity, and overall electrochemical kinetics. This review summarizes the current development of MXenes as sulfur host materials, separator coatings, and electrolyte additives to suppress polysulfide diffusion and facilitate efficient electron and ion transport. The key progress in mitigating the shuttle effect, enhancing electronic conductivity, and stabilizing lithium metal anodes have critically analyzed in this review. We have elucidated the underlying mechanisms of polysulfide adsorption and charge transfer processes within MXene-integrated Li[sbnd]S battery architectures. Finally, this review has discussed the different approaches for the fabrication of synergistic material and also outlines the future research directions. Overall, this review provides a concise outline of the current status and future pathways of MXene-based nanocomposites for high-performance Li[sbnd]S batteries.