TiO₂ encrusted MXene as a High-Performance anode material for Li-ion batteries

TiO₂ has the potential to be a viable anode material for high-power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the lower electronic conductivity of TiO₂ limits its practical applications. Here, the synthesis of novel TiO₂ decorated Ti₃C-MXene anode for LIBs using in-situ hydrolysis is discussed. MXenes are well known for their outstanding structural stability and superior electronic conductivities; thus, using MXenes as a host material for TiO₂ may improve its structural and electrical characteristics. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM & TEM) examination revealed that the in-situ method resulted in a uniform and comformal coating of TiO₂ (27.5 nm) on the inner and outer surfaces of MXene surfaces. BET analysis revealed that the larger surface area of MXene-TiO₂ nanocomposite enhanced the active sites for lithium intercalation, which improved electrochemical performance. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis revealed faster kinetics for MXene-TiO₂ materials when compared to the TiO₂ anode. Compared to pristine TiO₂ anode, 5 wt% MXene-TiO₂ nanocomposite showed significantly better electrochemical performance, with an electrochemical capacity of around 200 mAhg⁻¹ at 0.1C. Nanocomposites based on MXene-TiO₂ exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance, indicating the potential for using MXene-based nanocomposites as an anode in high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

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Published in: Applied Surface Science
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.152441