Si@Ti3C2Tx with Si nanoparticles embedded in a 3D conductive network of crumpled Ti3C2Tx nanosheets for the anode of lithium-ion batteries with enhanced cycling performance

Silicon-based materials are considered the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, due to the huge volume effect of Si powder during charging and discharging, the pulverization and peeling of silicon nanoparticles results in a certain amount of active material loss, which significantly affects the stability and coulombic efficiency of the battery . In this paper, a simple suspension mixing-freeze drying process was used to prepare a Si@Ti 3 C 2 T x composite with a fluffy and porous structure , in which Si nanoparticles (SiNPs) are wrapped in a 3D conductive network of wrinkled and curled Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets . Thus, both Si nanoparticle agglomeration and restacking of Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets are inhibited, electrolyte penetration and charge transfer are facilitated, and Si nanoparticle volume expansion is effectively buffered. When used as an LIB anode, after 500 cycles and at a density of 1 A g −1 , a high specific capacity of 1729 mAh g −1 and coulombic efficiency of ≥ 98.5% were achieved for Si@Ti 3 C 2 T x , showing excellent electrochemical performance .