Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of SnOx/Ti3C2Tx Anodes for Li-ion Batteries

Abstract

Modern society has a higher requirement and need for high-capacity and stable energy storage and conversion devices. 2D materials are a group of emerging materials that have shown advantages in energy, catalysis, and mechanical applications. This research focuses on introducing a microwave-assisted method to synthesize hybrid structures and improve the electrochemical performance of layered Ti3C2Tx, which has been recently introduced as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. In this study, hybrid structures of SnOx/Ti3C2Tx are synthesized and the effects of microwave synthesis parameters on the electrochemical performance of the synthesized hybrid electrodes are investigated. Through several materials and structural characterization methods, it is shown that the SnOx deposited Ti3C2Tx material maintained its layered structure and the hybrid material has a stable cyclic performance when tested as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. Our studies show that if microwave parameters are tailored and carefully controlled, oxidation of MXene during synthesis can be avoided. Further, as a mechanically robust 2D material, the MXene flakes can support the volume change of tin oxide upon electrochemical reaction with Li and therefore significantly improve the cyclability of the hybrid structure.