In situ construction of N-doped Ti3C2T x confined worm-like Fe2O3 nanoparticles by Fe–O–Ti bonding for LIBs anode with superior cycle performance

The development of Fe2O3as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anode is greatly restricted by its poor electronic conductivity and structural stability. To solve these issues, this work presentsin situconstruction of three-dimensional crumpled Fe2O3@N-Ti3C2Txcomposite by solvothermal-freeze-drying process, in which wormlike Fe2O3nanoparticles (10-50 nm)in situnucleated and grew on the surface of N-doped Ti3C2Txnanosheets with Fe-O-Ti bonding. As a conductive matrix, N-doping endows Ti3C2Txwith more active sites and higher electron transfer efficiency. Meanwhile, Fe-O-Ti bonding enhances the stability of the Fe2O3/N-Ti3C2Txinterface and also acts as a pathway for electron transmission. With a large specific surface area (114.72 m2g-1), the three-dimensional crumpled structure of Fe2O3@N-Ti3C2Txfacilitates the charge diffusion kinetics and enables easier exposure of the active sites. Consequently, Fe2O3@N-Ti3C2Txcomposite exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance as anode for LIBs, a reversible capacity of 870.2 mAh g-1after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g-1, 1129 mAh g-1after 280 cycles at 0.2 A g-1and 777.6 mAh g-1after 330 cycles at 1 A g-1.