TiO2/Ti3C2Tx composite as an anode material with ideal lithium-ion storage performance

Abstract

Ti3C2Tx MXene holds great potential in anode materials of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, its initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and cycling performance are low because of its inner defects. Herein, TiO2 nanoparticles are grown in these defects, effectively suppressing solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer growth and improving the stability of the electrode. As a result, the TiO2/Ti3C2Tx composite displays excellent electrochemical properties including a high ICE of 82.5% at 100 mA g−1, compared to 66.8% for Ti3C2Tx. Moreover, TiO2/Ti3C2Tx composite maintains a stable discharge capacity of 282.3 mAh/g at 100 mA g−1 for 200 cycles with a high-capacity retention of 81.2%, and displays a high discharge capacity of 187.4mAhg−1 at 2000 mA g−1. Our work develops an effective approach to improve the electrochemical performance of Ti3C2Tx MXene.