Monodispersed flower-like Mo₂V₂C₃T_x MXenes synthesized via Lewis acid molten salt etching with exceptional capacity retention for lithium-ion batteries

The development of high-performance and environmentally benign anode materials is essential for advancing lithium-ion battery technologies. Herein, we report the first fluoride-free Lewis acidic molten salt (LAMS) assisted synthesis of a Mo[sbnd]V bimetallic MXene (Mo₂V₂C₃T_x) yielding a monodispersed, three-dimensional flower-like morphology. This scalable approach yields a MXene structure with a hierarchically porous architecture and abundant [sbnd]Cl, –OH, and =O surface terminations. The self-assembled flower-like morphology mitigates restacking and enhances electrolyte infiltration. The synergy of the Mo[sbnd]V system combines the high electrical conductivity with the enhanced redox activity of the respective transition metals, resulting in an excellent performance when the material is applied as a Li-ion battery anode. Electrochemical testing reveals a high reversible capacity of 372.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and outstanding cycling stability with 99.8 % capacity retention over 1000 cycles in half-cell configuration. Full-cell evaluation against NCM-811 cathodes further demonstrates long-term stability with 95.6 % capacity retention over 200 cycles at 1C. This work not only introduces a new morphology and surface chemistry of the Mo-V-based M₄X₃ MXene family, but also establishes a viable route toward safe, high-performance MXene-based anodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.