Architecture of ZnFe2O4@V2CTx MXene Hybrid Anodes via In Situ Chemical Co-precipitation for Optimized Lithium-Ion Battery

The single-component electrode materials have not met the requirement of high performance of energy storage devices. Hybrids combined with two-dimensional materials and nanoparticles exhibit problem-solving ability. In this work, ZnFe2O4@V2CTx hybrids are fabricated by in situ chemical co-precipitation, and the morphology, microstructure, and electrochemical performance are characterized. Scanning electron micrscopy images show the internal gaps of the accordion-like structure of V2CTx MXene are filled with ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. On the basis of the different lithium storage mechanisms and the stable interface electronic transfer, the hybrid with the weight ratio of V2CTx MXene and ZnFe2O4 being 0.5:1 exhibits an amazing reversible capacity of 1189 mAh g–1 after 100 cycles, which is 7.62 times that of pure ZnFe2O4. Obviously, ZnFe2O4@V2CTx MXene electrodes contribute synergetic charge storage via the redox and intercalation mechanism. Interestingly, ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectra are utilized to explore the complicated electrode reaction. These results tend to confirm Zn has not been involved in the lithium storage process. The study will illuminate the application prospect of transition metal oxides-based materials as high-performance electrodes.