In situ construction of N-doped Ti₃C₂T_xconfined worm-like Fe₂O₃nanoparticles 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-Ti₃C₂T_xcomposite by solvothermal-freeze-drying process, in which wormlike Fe₂O₃nanoparticles (10-50 nm)in situnucleated and grew on the surface of N-doped Ti₃C₂T_xnanosheets with Fe-O-Ti bonding. As a conductive matrix, N-doping endows Ti₃C₂T_xwith more active sites and higher electron transfer efficiency. Meanwhile, Fe-O-Ti bonding enhances the stability of the Fe₂O₃/N-Ti₃C₂T_xinterface 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-Ti₃C₂T_xfacilitates the charge diffusion kinetics and enables easier exposure of the active sites. Consequently, Fe₂O₃@N-Ti₃C₂T_xcomposite 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.