A 3D flower-like VO2/MXene hybrid architecture with superior anode performance for sodium ion batteries

VO2 is considered to be a promising sodium ion storage material owing to its high specific capacity. However, the cycling stability and rate performance obtained from this material are still unsatisfactory, as a result of inferior electronic conductivity and significant volume expansion during the charge/discharge process. Herein, we report a VO2/MXene hybrid having a three-dimensional (3D) flower-like architecture, synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. Based on the synergistic effect of the VO2 and MXene, this material exhibits superior sodium storage behavior. When used as an anode in sodium ion batteries, the as-prepared VO2/MXene demonstrates a high reversible capacity of 280.9 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1, exceptional cycling life (141% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) and good rate capacity (206 mA h g−1 at 1.6 A g−1). This VO2/MXene hybrid therefore shows promise as an anode material for use in sodium ion batteries.