Interlayer Engineering Construction of 2D Nb2CTx with Enlarged Interlayer Spacing Towards High Capacity and Rate Capability for Lithium‐Ion Storage

Abstract

AbstractThe Li+ storage rate capability and diffusion dynamics in two‐dimensional (2D) materials are mainly determined by the interlayer spacing of materials. Investigating the effects of interlayer spacing on Li+ diffusion rate in 2D materials can provide a theoretical guidance for developing the high rate 2D materials for Li+ storage. Herein, a novel approach that P‐phenylenediamine (PPDA) electrostatically intercalated into Nb2CTx layers is employed to facilitate fast Li+ diffusion dynamics and improve diffusion rate for Li+ storage. The PPDA molecules existed between Nb2CTx layers have “support and dragline” effects on layers structure during Li+ insertion/exaction. The PPDA‐Nb2CTx not only enlarges interlayer spacing (d=1.27 nm) to accelerate the Li+ diffusion rate, but also enhances the layered structure stability due to the “support and dragline” effects of PPDA molecules. The PPDA‐Nb2CTx exhibits the excellent capacity of 400 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and displays a superior capacity retention as 70.2 % at 5.0 A g−1 compared with that of 0.5 A g−1. The PPDA‐Nb2CTx//AC lithium ions hybrid capacitor (LIHC) delivers an excellent power density of 2754.8 W kg−1 at an energy density of 58.3 Wh kg−1 and a capacity retention with 80.0 % at 1.0 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. The interlayer engineering based on electrostatic intercalation provides a novel perspective to expand interlayer spacing, possessing a theoretical guidance for developing the Li+ storage materials with high‐rate capability.