Graphite nano-modified SnO2-Ti2C MXene as anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

•SnO2-Ti2C-C composite has been synthesized by hydrothermal and balling methods.•The ultrathin graphite nanosheet structure can facilitate lithium-ion transport.•Carbon coating can protect Ti2C from oxidation and self-stack.•The ternary SnO2-Ti2C-C composite can withstand high stress during cycling.•SnO2-Ti2C-C composite shows high rate and cycling stability. [Display omitted] A SnO2-Ti2C-C nanoparticle composite anode was synthesized by using facile ball milling combined with hydrothermal treatment. The SnO2-Ti2C nanoparticles were homogeneously coated with graphite nanosheets by ball milling. Graphite nanosheets served as ideal volume expansion buffers and good electron conductors. Consequently, a high initial coulombic efficiency of 80.3% was displayed, and the system exhibited a high reversible capacity of 1036.87 mAh g−1 maintained after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, a rate capacity of 447.58 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 5.0 A g−1, and long cycling stability with a capacity of 763.18 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 2.0 A g−1. These results indicate that the incorporation of Ti2C, graphite nanosheets, and SnO2 enhanced the performance of SnO2-based anodes for battery applications.