High-Performance Red P-Based P–TiP2–C Nanocomposite Anode for Lithium-Ion and Sodium-Ion Storage

An amorphous red phosphorus-based composite has been synthesized via a facile and simple one-step high-energy mechanical milling process and investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The resultant P–TiP2–C nanocomposite exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1116 mA h g–1, excellent cyclability, and a remarkable initial Coulombic efficiency of 86% in lithium half cells. Furthermore, it delivers an initial desodiation capacity of 755 mA h g–1 with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 80% and a good capacity retention of 80% after 100 cycles in sodium half cells. The greatly improved electrochemical performance is due to the unique nanoarchitecture composed of well-blended red phosphorus and crystalline TiP2 homogeneously embedded in a conductive carbon network. The presence of the conductive TiP2 inclusions plays a crucial role in offering structural stability as well as high conductivity to the phosphorus-based composite particles during cycling, thereby leading to superior cycling stability and rate capability in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries compared to the composite without TiP2.