Sb2O3/MXene(Ti3C2Tx) hybrid anode materials with enhanced performance for sodium-ion batteries

MXenes, a novel family of two dimensional (2D) materials with excellent electronic conductivity and hydrophilicity, have emerged as a promising material for energy storage. Based on the intercalation mechanism, MXenes have demonstrated an excellent performance for supercapacitors but low capacities for sodium-ion batteries. Herein, we developed a facile solution-phase method to fabricate the Sb2O3/MXene(Ti3C2Tx) hybrid materials for sodium storage with enhanced electrochemical performances. The as-prepared Sb2O3/Ti3C2Tx composite has a hierarchical structure with Sb2O3 nanoparticles (sub-50 nm) uniformly incorporated in the MXene Ti3C2Tx 3D networks. The Sb2O3 nanoparticles serve as a sufficient sodium ion reservoir; meanwhile, the MXene Ti3C2Tx network provides highly efficient pathways for transport of electrons and Na-ions. The volume expansion of Sb2O3 during sodiation/desodiation can be buffered and confined between the 2D Ti3C2Tx sheets. As a result, the Sb2O3/Ti3C2Tx hybrid anodes present good structural stability and superior electrochemical performance in Na-ion batteries, including an excellent rate performance with a capacity of 295 mA h g(-1) at 2 A g(-1), and an enhanced cycling performance with a capacity of 472 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at 100 mA g(-1). This work is expected to inspire the development of MXene materials for high performance batteries.