Si-P-Ti stabilized Si-P/Ti3C2Tx nanohybrids for enhanced lithium-ion storage

The Si-P nanohybrids, as an underlying candidate for the anode material of the next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), possess a high theoretical specific capacity of 2900 mAh g −1 but decays rapidly owing to the large volume change during lithiation/delithiation. Meanwhile, two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) with outstanding conductivity and specific crystal structure have been revealed with a relative low Li + diffusion barrier, which exhibits underlying application prospects in the area of energy storage and can be particularly utilized as the conductive matrix for realizing the outstanding performance of lithium storage. Herein, we employ an MXenes (Ti 3 C 2 T x )-buffer strategy to improve the electrochemical properties of the traditional Si-P anode by a relatively simple mechanical ball-milling method. Obvious chemical bonds between Si-P and Ti 3 C 2 T x have been confirmed for as-prepared Si-P/Ti 3 C 2 T x composites, where P nanolayer acts as an intermediate layer and guarantees the composite integrity and the tight contact between red phosphorus, Si, and Ti 3 C 2 T x matrix. Moreover, the Si-P/Ti 3 C 2 T x composite electrode, in comparison with Si-P composite and Si, exhibits an enhanced rate performance (632.4 mAh g −1 at 5A g −1 ) and a higher reversible capacity (980.8 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles at 500 mA g −1 ), indicating it’s a promising candidate for advanced LIBs anode. Graphical abstract The high-performance chemically bonded double-conductive protective layer lithium-ion battery anode was developed by mechanical ball-milling strategy.