Hierarchical porous microrod In2O3@C@Ti3C2TX composite anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

In₂O₃, employed as an anode, demonstrates exceptional capacity in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Nonetheless, its propensity for significant volume expansion results in internal fracturing and reorganization. Two-dimensional double transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes), characterized by unique out-of-plane metal atom ordering, exhibit promising electrical properties due to their chemical versatility and intricate structure. However, MXenes' tendency to aggregate or stack into lamellar structures impedes their practical energy storage application. To address these issues, a hierarchical porous microrods In₂O₃@C@Ti₃C₂T_X (HPMR-In₂O₃@C@Ti₃C₂T_X) composite anode material was synthesized through electrostatic self-assembly of MIL-68 (In) and Ti₃C₂T_X, followed by carbonization. This synthesis produced continuous one-dimensional microrods with hierarchical porous channels in HPMR-In₂O₃@C, offering a substantial specific surface area, numerous Li⁺ storage sites, and enhanced charge transfer rates. Moreover, the interlayer space within Ti₃C₂T_X acts as an electrolyte reservoir, facilitating comprehensive electrochemical reactions and accommodating volume changes during charge-discharge cycles. Consequently, the HPMR-In₂O₃@C@Ti₃C₂T_X anode exhibited remarkable properties, including a high initial discharge specific capacity of 1406 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 C, outstanding cycling performance, and superior rate performance. This research presents a promising direction for the advancement of high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.