A novel method for synthesizing Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets supported Si nanoparticles as lithium-ion batteries anode for electric vehicles applications

Abstract

Titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx MXene) supported Si nanoparticles composite is a promosing lithium ion batteries (LIBs) anode material for electric vehicles applications due to its high specific capacity and stable cycling performance. However, past fabrication of Si/Ti3C2Tx MXene composite involves complex processes which limits its practical application. Herein, we propose a simple and fast method for synthesizing Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets supported Si nanoparticles (Si/TMNSs) anode composite. The Si/TMNSs composite is prepared by a low-temperature aluminum thermal reduction of mechanical mixture of TMNSs and commercial SiO2. TMNSs can accommodate Si expansion during cycling and enhance electronic conductivity. Thus Si/TMNSs electrode exhibits outstanding electrochemical performances (a stable capacity of 868 mAh g−1 at high current density of 5 A g−1 after 1000 cycles with only 0.033% capacity loss per cycle over 1000 cycles). Overall this work demonstrates a novel method for large scale preparation of LIBs Si/MXene anode material for electric vehicles applications.