Synthesis of One‐Dimensional Mo2C‐Embedded Carbon Nanofibers with Enhanced Lithium Storage Capacity for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

AbstractMXenes are in the limelight nowadays due to their fascinating structure and outstanding physical and chemical properties. Mo2C, a part of MXenes, has a unique structure where the carbon present in the interstitial voids between the layers of the molybdenum (Mo) atom is very sensitive to even a small addition of electrons. Herein, we have pursued the synthesis of one‐dimensional Mo2C‐embedded carbon nanofibers (Mo2C@CNF) as a potential anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. The Mo2C@CNF is synthesized by simple electrospinning (E‐Spin) technique followed by iodization and thermal treatment at 1000 °C under Argon. The iodization process plays a major role in the formation of Mo2C@CNF, which creates a stronger backbone and high yield of carbon content during the carbonization process. The presence of highly disordered carbon in Mo2C@CNF was demonstrated by FESEM, XRD, RAMAN, and HRTEM studies. The electrochemical performance studies of Mo2C@CNF, carried out using 2032 type coin cell configuration, show an enhanced specific capacity of 1492 mAh g−1 at 0.15 C‐rate during the first discharge. These high‐capacity values obtained due to the synergistic interaction between the embedded Mo2C and carbon nanofibers open up a new avenue to high performance carbide based anodes for energy storage applications.