Layer effects on MXenes electrode and it applied to silicon composite structures

Despite the very high capacity of Si (4200mAh g⁻¹), the widespread application of Si anodes has been hampered by drastic volume changes (up to 300 %) during cycling, leading to electrical contact losses and thus a sharp drop in capacity as the cycle life is shortened. Here we present a class of layered MXene/Si electrodes, which consist of nano-Si embedded in the interlayers of MXene to form a coupling effect, which can inhibit the huge volume change of Si during cycling. Therefore, layered MXene/Si has a highly reversible capacity, much improved cycling performance and excellent mechanical properties. First-principles calculations reveal the excellent electronic conductivity and good diffusion ability of layered MXene/Si, confirming the rapid storage of Li ions. This study provides useful information for the development and production of anode materials with high energy density and good mechanical properties.