Work

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

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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 aluminum foil. Through optimized high-temperature processing, we obtained high-purity Ti2AlC/Ti3AlC2 MAX phases, followed by selective etching via a LiF/HCl route to produce delaminated Ti2CTx 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 specific capacities reaching ~200 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g discharge current, 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 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.

Source: Journal of Power Sources

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2026.239839