In-situ partial oxidation of TiVCTx derived TiO2 and V2O5 nanocrystals functionalized TiVCTx MXene as anode for lithium-ion batteries

Two-dimensional double transition metal carbides or nitrides (MXenes) have been commonly concerned in the field of energy storage due to their distinctive structure and high conductivity. MXene-based electrode materials with single metal component are difficult to achieve high specific capacity, efficient ion/electron transport and stability, which hinder its practical application. Herein, we proposed a strategy by using in situ partial oxidation of double transition metal MXene (TiVCTx) derived TiO2 and V2O5 nanocrystals blends functionalized TiVCTx MXene (for simplicity denoted as TiVC@VTO) as electrode materials to boost the lithium ion battery performance. Effect of annealing temperature on the microstructure, crystallinity, and electrochemical property of TiVC@VTO is investigated. The TiVC@VTO retains the layer structure of the original TiVCTx MXene and at the same time the composition and microstructure can be regulated by a simple thermal annealing treatment to modify the oxidation degree. Compared with pristine TiVCTx, the oxidized sample demonstrates an optimal performance with specific capacity of 331.1 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at current density of 0.1 A g(-1) and 237.6 mAh g(-1) after 1000 cycles at current density of 1.0 A g(-1) at 500 degrees C (TiVC@VTO-500). Our work offers a simple and practicable method for enhanced lithium-ion storage capability by using double transition metal MXene. Moreover, this work also provides further information about the stability of TiVCTx MXene, which will benefit energy storage in the future development of novel double transition metal MXene materials for energy storage applications.

Automated summary

This study proposes a strategy of using in situ partial oxidation of double transition metal MXene (TiVCTx) derived TiO2 and V2O5 nanocrystals blends functionalized TiVC@VTO as electrode materials to boost the lithium ion battery performance. The oxidized sample at 500 degrees C (TiVC@VTO-500) demonstrates the optimal performance. This work offers a simple and practicable method for enhanced lithium-ion storage capability by using double transition metal MXene.