Abstract: A composite that includes a layered MXene comprising at least two layers, and an amount of a chalcogen confined between the at least two layers. An electrode that includes a composite that includes a layered MXene comprising at least two layers, and an amount of a chalcogen confined between the at least two layers. Power cells that include the composite. A method, comprising: with an intercalant spacer, effecting an increase in an interlayer spacing in a multilayered MXene composition; and effecting intercalation of a chalcogen into the interlayer spacing so as to confine the chalcogen between layers of the multilayered MXene composition, and optionally effecting removal of the intercalant spacer.

Abstract: By combining two-dimensional (2D) transition metal oxide and/or carbo-oxides with sulfur, one can form cathodes for use in Li—S batteries, which batteries in turn exhibit high capacity and other attractive characteristics. Accordingly, provided herein are methods, comprising: forming an admixture that comprises sulfur, a 2D transition metal carbo-oxide, and optionally a conductive material. Also provided are electrodes, comprising sulfur, a 2D transition metal carbo-oxide, and optionally a conductive material. Further provided are energy cells, the energy cell comprising a first electrode according to the present disclosure. Additionally provided are methods, the methods comprising discharging an energy cell according to the present disclosure or charging an energy cell according to the present disclosure. Also provided are electrical devices, comprising an energy cell according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel cathode employing a monoclinic sulfur phase that enables a single plateau lithium-sulfur reaction in, for example, a carbonate electrolyte system. The cathode is applicable to a variety of other types of anodes. Also disclosed are an electrode of a cell or battery and a battery including the cathode.

Abstract: Provided are methods of effecting cation exchange in MXene materials so as to stabilize the materials. Also provided are compositions, comprising layered MXene materials that comprise an organic cation between layers. Also provided are MXene compositions comprising a chalcogen disposed thereon, the MXene composition further optionally comprising a quaternary ammonium halide disposed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a novel cathode employing a monoclinic sulfur phase that enables a single plateau lithium-sulfur reaction in, for example, a carbonate electrolyte system. The cathode is applicable to a variety of other types of anodes. The method produces a cathode suitable for use in an electrode of a cell or battery by depositing monoclinic phase sulfur via vapor deposition onto a substrate in a sealed vapor deposition apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a novel cathode employing a monoclinic sulfur phase that enables a single plateau lithium-sulfur reaction in, for example, a carbonate electrolyte system. The cathode is applicable to a variety of other types of anodes. The method produces a cathode suitable for use in an electrode of a cell or battery by depositing monoclinic phase sulfur via vapor deposition onto a substrate in a sealed vapor deposition apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel cathode employing a monoclinic sulfur phase that enables a single plateau lithium-sulfur reaction in, for example, a carbonate electrolyte system. The cathode is applicable to a variety of other types of anodes. Also disclosed are an electrode of a cell or battery and a battery including the cathode.