Interlayer Engineering of MnP-Modified Ti₃C₂T_x to Achieve Ultrafast Ion Migration with High-Capacity Lithium Storage...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Two-dimensional layered titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXenes offer unique properties but suffer from underutilized capacity due to stacking and functional group constraints.
• Developing high-energy-density, long-life anode materials is crucial for advancing lithium-ion battery technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the electrochemical performance of Ti3C2Tx MXenes by introducing manganese phosphide (MnP) nanoparticles.
• To investigate the mechanism of performance improvement in MnP@Ti3C2Tx composites for lithium-ion batteries.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of MnP@Ti3C2Tx composites by introducing Mn ions into Ti3C2Tx interlayers followed by phosphorization.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Electrochemical testing in a half-cell system to evaluate reversible capacity and cycling stability.

Main Results:

• Uniform distribution of nanosized MnP particles within the Ti3C2Tx matrix, expanding interlayer spacing and forming a 3D electron conduction network.
• Exceptional reversible capacity (508.55 mAh g-1 at 0.15 A g-1) and outstanding cycling stability (338.54 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles) demonstrated by 8MnP@Ti3C2Tx.
• Confirmation of a highly reversible transformation reaction mechanism during lithiation/delithiation and enhanced interfacial charge transfer with reduced Li-ion diffusion barrier.

Conclusions:

• The MnP@Ti3C2Tx composite effectively overcomes the limitations of pristine Ti3C2Tx, offering significantly improved lithium-ion storage capabilities.
• This work provides a novel strategy for designing advanced anode materials by atomic-scale modification and understanding intrinsic mechanisms.
• The developed material holds promise for next-generation high-energy-density and long-life lithium-ion batteries.