A 3D flower-like VO2/MXene hybrid architecture with superior anode performance for sodium ion batteriesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XPS spectrum of VO2/MX-1 hybrid; SEM images of the MX and VO2; CV curves of MX and VO2 electrodes; charge/discharge curves of the VO2 electrode; ex situ XRD pattern and HRTEM image of the VO2/MX-1 electrode after the 10th cycle discharged to 0.01 V. See DOI: 10.1039/c8ta11419f

VO 2 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 VO 2 /MXene hybrid having a three-dimensional (3D) flower-like architecture, synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. Based on the synergistic effect of the VO 2 and MXene, this material exhibits superior sodium storage behavior. When used as an anode in sodium ion batteries, the as-prepared VO 2 /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 VO 2 /MXene hybrid therefore shows promise as an anode material for use in sodium ion batteries. The three-dimensional flower-like VO 2 /MXene hybrid architectures exhibit exceptional cycle stability and rate performance for sodium ion battery anodes.