In situ construction of N-doped Ti 3 C 2 T x confined worm-like Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles by Fe–O–Ti bonding for LIBs anode with superior cycle performance

• Published in: Nanotechnology 2024-01, Vol.35 (1), p.15402
• Main Authors: Jiang, Wei, Zhang, Zhen, Yang, Kai, Zhou, Jun, Hu, Changjian, Pan, Limei, Li, Qian, Yang, Jian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0957-4484; 1361-6528
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/acfa05

The development of Fe 2 O 3 as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anode is greatly restricted by its poor electronic conductivity and structural stability. To solve these issues, this work presents in situ construction of three-dimensional crumpled Fe 2 O 3 @N-Ti 3 C 2 T x composite by solvothermal-freeze-drying process, in which wormlike Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles (10–50 nm) in situ nucleated and grew on the surface of N-doped Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets with Fe–O–Ti bonding. As a conductive matrix, N-doping endows Ti 3 C 2 T x with more active sites and higher electron transfer efficiency. Meanwhile, Fe–O–Ti bonding enhances the stability of the Fe 2 O 3 /N-Ti 3 C 2 T x interface and also acts as a pathway for electron transmission. With a large specific surface area (114.72 m 2 g −1 ), the three-dimensional crumpled structure of Fe 2 O 3 @N-Ti 3 C 2 T x facilitates the charge diffusion kinetics and enables easier exposure of the active sites. Consequently, Fe 2 O 3 @N-Ti 3 C 2 T x composite exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance as anode for LIBs, a reversible capacity of 870.2 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g −1 , 1129 mAh g −1 after 280 cycles at 0.2 A g −1 and 777.6 mAh g −1 after 330 cycles at 1 A g −1 .