Recent progress in metal chalcogenide-MXene and MOF-derived composites for supercapacitors: synthesis, challenges, and future solutions

Abstract

Metal chalcogenide-based electrode materials have gained a substantial attention as high-performance electrode alternative for supercapacitors owing to their tunable redox characteristics, high electrical conductivity, and enrich electrochemical activity. Recent advancements in composite materials, especially the integration of metal chalcogenides with MXenes and metal organic framework (MOF)-derived structures have unlocked innovative paths for surpassing inherent challenges such as poor cycling stability, accumulation, and low surface area. This review article delivers an inclusive summary of the synthesis strategies employed for evolving these hybrid composites electrodes, including hydrothermal, chemical bath deposition, and in situ growth techniques. The synergistic integration of MXenes, recognized for their excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, with metal chalcogenides improves electron transport and structural stability. Correspondingly, the MOF-derived porous frameworks begin with a high surface area and controlled structure, further enhancing capacitance and ion diffusion. Despite these developments some key challenges remain, such as structural degradation, complex synthesis processes, and meager long-term electrochemical stability. This review also focusses on emerging approaches to resolve these challenges, such as defect engineering, heteroatom doping, and surface functionalization. Conclusively, the future perspectives are anticipated for scalable fabrication, flexible device integration, and performance optimization, pointing toward the next generation of high-energy–density supercapacitor systems.