Two-dimensional Ti3C2 as anode material for Li-ion batteries

• 2D Ti3C2 after intercalation has larger c and larger lamella thickness.
• In-Ti3C2 has capacity close to theoretical capacity with F termination.
• In-Ti3C2 has better electrochemical performance than Ex-Ti3C2.

Two-dimensional (2D) Ti3C2 was synthesized by the exfoliation of Ti3AlC2 with HF solution and subsequently intercalation with dimethyl sulfoxide. As anode for lithium ion batteries, Ti3C2 after intercalation had an obvious higher capacity than that before intercalation. The capacity can be 123.6 mAh g− 1 at 1C rate with a coulombic efficiency of 47%. It is higher than that of 2D Ti2C and close to the theoretical capacity of Ti3C2 with F termination. It was suggested that MXene with pure F groups may be a way to further improve its Li storage performance.