Covalently-Bonded Interfaces Stabilizing Radially-Oriented P/Ti₃C₂ Microspheres for High-Performance Lithium-Ion...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Red phosphorus (P) is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical specific capacity and environmental friendliness.
• However, P-based anodes face challenges including poor electronic conductivity, significant volume fluctuations during cycling, leading to sluggish kinetics and reduced reversibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel composite anode material that overcomes the limitations of red phosphorus for high-performance LIBs.
• To engineer a stable and conductive structure that enhances the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of red phosphorus anodes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D P-bonded radially-oriented Ti3C2 microsphere composite electrode (P80/MS-Ti3C2) using electrostatic spraying.
• Characterization of the composite structure, focusing on the encapsulation of P nanoparticles within the Ti3C2 matrix and the formation of Ti-O-P covalent bonds.
• Electrochemical testing to evaluate specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability.

Main Results:

• The P80/MS-Ti3C2 electrode demonstrated excellent electronic conductivity and ion transport pathways due to the radially-oriented Ti3C2 matrix.
• The formation of Ti-O-P covalent bonds effectively alleviated volume expansion and prevented exfoliation of red phosphorus during cycling.
• Achieved high reversible specific capacities of 1269.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 500 mA g⁻¹ after 700 cycles and 1064.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles, even with a high P loading of 36.7%.

Conclusions:

• The developed P80/MS-Ti3C2 composite electrode offers an effective strategy for structural and interfacial engineering of red phosphorus anodes.
• This approach significantly enhances the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of LIBs, demonstrating great potential for practical applications.