Self-assembled GeO_X/Ti₃C₂T_X Composites as Promising Anode Materials for\nLithium Ion Batteries

Abstract

High-capacity germanium-based\nanode materials are alternative materials\nfor outstanding electrochemical performance lithium-ion batteries\n(LIBs), but severe volume variation and pulverization problems during\ncharging–discharging processes can seriously affect their electrochemical\nperformance. In addressing this challenge, a simple strategy was used\nto prepare the self-assembled GeO_X/Ti₃C₂T_X composite in which the GeO_X nanoparticles\ncan grow directly on Ti₃C₂T_X layers.\nNanoscale GeO_X uniformly renucleates on the surface and\ninterlayers of Ti₃C₂T_X, forming the\nstable multiphase structure, which guarantees its excellent electrochemical\nperformance. Electrochemical evaluation has shown that the rate capability\nand reversibility of GeO_X/Ti₃C₂T_X are both greatly improved, which delivers a reversible discharge\nspecific capacity of above 1400 mAh g^–1 (at 100\nmA g^–1) and a reversible specific capacity of 900\nmAh g^–1 after 50 cycles while it still maintains\na stable specific capacity of 725 mAh g^–1 at 5000\nmA g^–1. Furthermore, the composite exhibits an exceptionally\nsuperior rate capability, making it a good electrochemical performance\nanode for LIBs.