Graphite nano-modified SnO2-Ti2C MXene as anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

• SnO 2 -Ti 2 C-C composite has been synthesized by hydrothermal and balling methods. • The ultrathin graphite nanosheet structure can facilitate lithium-ion transport. • Carbon coating can protect Ti 2 C from oxidation and self-stack. • The ternary SnO 2 -Ti 2 C-C composite can withstand high stress during cycling. • SnO 2 -Ti 2 C-C composite shows high rate and cycling stability. A SnO 2 -Ti 2 C-C nanoparticle composite anode was synthesized by using facile ball milling combined with hydrothermal treatment. The SnO 2 -Ti 2 C nanoparticles were homogeneously coated with graphite nanosheets by ball milling. Graphite nanosheets served as ideal volume expansion buffers and good electron conductors. Consequently, a high initial coulombic efficiency of 80.3% was displayed, and the system exhibited a high reversible capacity of 1036.87 mAh g −1 maintained after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g −1 , a rate capacity of 447.58 mAh g −1 at a high current density of 5.0 A g −1 , and long cycling stability with a capacity of 763.18 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles at 2.0 A g −1 . These results indicate that the incorporation of Ti 2 C, graphite nanosheets, and SnO 2 enhanced the performance of SnO 2 -based anodes for battery applications.