Hierarchical Mo₂C@CNT Hybrid Structure Formation for the Improved Lithium-Ion Battery Storage Performance

2-D transition metal carbides (TMCs)-based anode materials offer competitive performance in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its excellent conductivity; cheaper, flexible uses; and superior mechanical stability. However, the electrochemical energy storage of TMCs is still the major obstacle due to their modest capacity and the trends of restacking/aggregation. In this report, the Mo₂C nanosheets were attached on conductive CNT network to form a hierarchical 2D hybrid structure, which not only alleviated the aggregation of the Mo₂C nanoparticle and facilitated the rapid transference of ion/electron, but also adapted effectually to the hefty volume expansion of Mo₂C nanosheets and prevented restacking/collapse of Mo₂C structure. Benefitting from the layered Mo₂@CNT hybrid structure, the charge/discharge profile produced a 200 mAh g^-1 discharge-specific capacity (second cycle) and 132 mAh g^-1 reversible-discharge discharge-specific capacity (after 100 cycles) at 50 mA g^-1 current density, with high-speed competency and superior cycle stability. The improved storage kinetics for Mo₂@CNT hybrid structure are credited to the creation of numerous active catalytic facets and association reaction between the CNT and Mo₂C, promoting the efficient electron transfer and enhancing the cycling stability.