Employing MXene as a matrix for loading amorphous Si generated upon lithiation towards enhanced lithium-ion storage

Abstract

Abstract Although Si-based nanomaterials provide incomparable lithium ion storage ability in theory, it suffers from low initial Coulombic efficiency, electrical disconnection, and fracture due to huge volume changes after extended cycles. As a result, it leads to a severe capacity fading and an increase in internal impedance. Herein, Ti-elemental MXene was employed as a matrix for the intermediate product of Si electrodes. The boundary between the inner core of pristine Si and its outer shell of amorphous LixSi alloy was reconstructed. Smaller amorphous aggregates were observed in the MXene&Si hybrid electrode after 500 cycles by using transmission electron microscopy. Consequently, an enhanced specific capacity was achieved as MXene as a matrix enables loading amorphous Si.