Self-assembled GeO_X/Ti₃C₂T_X Composites as Promising Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

High-capacity germanium-based anode materials are alternative materials for outstanding electrochemical performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but severe volume variation and pulverization problems during charging-discharging processes can seriously affect their electrochemical performance. In addressing this challenge, a simple strategy was used to prepare the self-assembled GeO_X/Ti₃C₂T_X composite in which the GeO_X nanoparticles can grow directly on Ti₃C₂T_X layers. Nanoscale GeO_X uniformly renucleates on the surface and interlayers of Ti₃C₂T_X, forming the stable multiphase structure, which guarantees its excellent electrochemical performance. Electrochemical evaluation has shown that the rate capability and reversibility of GeO_X/Ti₃C₂T_X are both greatly improved, which delivers a reversible discharge specific capacity of above 1400 mAh g^-1 (at 100 mA g^-1) and a reversible specific capacity of 900 mAh g^-1 after 50 cycles while it still maintains a stable specific capacity of 725 mAh g^-1 at 5000 mA g^-1. Furthermore, the composite exhibits an exceptionally superior rate capability, making it a good electrochemical performance anode for LIBs.