Reinforced Capacity and Cycling Stability of CoTe Nanoparticles Anchored on Ti3C2 MXene for Anode Material

TL;DR

A new anode material for lithium-ion batteries combines CoTe nanoparticles with Ti3C2 MXene to improve performance and stability.

Contribution

A hydrothermally synthesized CoTe@Ti3C2 composite demonstrates tenfold higher capacity and long-term stability for LIB anodes.

Findings

CoTe@Ti3C2 anode achieves 698 mAh g−1 capacity after 1000 cycles at 0.1 A g−1.

The composite shows cycling stability over 1300 cycles at 1 A g−1.

In situ X-ray techniques reveal the charge storage mechanisms of the composite.

Abstract

Developing high‐performance anode materials is critical for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) to meet consumers' demands. Cobalt tellurides (CoTe) exhibit promising electrochemical properties due to their higher theoretical capacity compared to commonly used graphite anodes. However, their practical application is hindered by poor electrical conductivity, agglomeration of nanoparticles, and significant volume changes during charge‐discharge cycling. To overcome these challenges, CoTe nanoparticles are synthesized and anchored on Ti3C2 MXene (CoTe@Ti3C2) via a facile hydrothermal approach. The integration of CoTe nanoparticles with Ti3C2 nanosheets leverages their synergistic advantages: Ti3C2 MXene serves as a conductive substrate, improving electrical conductivity, reducing CoTe agglomeration, and accommodating volume changes, while CoTe nanoparticles prevent Ti3C2 nanosheet restacking. As a result, compared to the CoTe electrode, the CoTe@Ti3C2 anode exhibits an exceptional capacity increase, exceeding tenfold and reaching 698 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. Additionally, the CoTe@Ti3C2 anode demonstrates long‐term cycling stability over 1300 cycles at 1 A g−1. In situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy elucidate the insights into the charge storage mechanisms. The superior electrochemical performance of CoTe@Ti3C2 highlights its potential as a high‐performance anode material for next‐generation LIBs.

A Cobalt telluride (CoTe) nanoparticle‐anchored Ti3C2 MXene composite (CoTe@Ti3C2), synthesized via a hydrothermal approach, enhances electrochemical performance by leveraging the synergy between CoTe nanoparticles and Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets. Ti3C2 MXene enhances conductivity and structural stability, while CoTe nanoparticles prevent nanosheet restacking. This results in extended cycling stability and high capacity, making it a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries.

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