Prussian blue analogue vigorously coupled to Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheet toward high-performance Li-ion batteries with stable cycling stability

Abstract

In this work, the Prussian-blue type FeFe(CN)6 (Fe-PBA)/Ti3C2Tx hybrids (Fe-PBA-CT) with improved reversible capacity and high stable cycling stability are synthesized by a hydrolytic process. The Fe–PBAs cubic nanoparticles effectively promote electrode/electrolyte contact, accelerate electron transfer and ion diffusion. The Ti3C2Tx MXenes conductive networks can not only facilitate the transmission and diffusion of electrons/ions, but also provide additional Li+ ions storage sites to increase the specific capacity, thereby improving the rate performance and reversible capacity. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of nano cubic Fe-PBA and layered Ti3C2Tx MXenes, compared with pristine Fe-PBA, the Fe-PBA-CT2 cathode with moderate content of Ti3C2Tx MXenes delivers a superior discharge capacity of 145.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, remarkable rate performance and excellent cycling stability without capacity fading after 900 cycles at 1 C. The ex-situ X-ray diffraction test proves that the structure change of Fe-PBA-CT is highly reversible process during cycling. The as-prepared Fe-PBA-CT exhibits a promising potential as a cathode material for the next generation lithium-ion batteries with stable cycling stability.