Efficient TiC-C hybrid conductive matrix for ZnTe anode in Lithium-ion storage

Abstract ZnTe alloy is simply prepared by the primary annealing step, along with the formation of TiC-C hybrid conductive matrix in the secondary ball-milling process. As-prepared ZnTe@TiC-C nanocomposite consists of active ZnTe nanocrystallites embedded in a TiC-C buffering material, which is adopted as a potential anode material for Lithium-ion storage. In comparison with stand-alone carbon matrix as a buffering material, the presence of the TiC-C hybrid matrix improves the electrochemical performances of ZnTe active material in terms of capacity, stability, reversibility, and rate capability performances. Also, the optimum content of TiC in the ZnTe@TiC-C composites is evaluated based on the electrochemical performances, in that the ZnTe@TiC(20%)-C composite exhibits the highest reversible capacities of ~547 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.1 A g−1, the good rate capability (84% capacity retention at 10 A g−1 when compared with the capacity at 0.1 A g−1), and the cycle life at 1 A g−1 (~700 mAh cm−3 after 500 cycles). The enhanced electrochemical performance of the ZnTe active material with the presence of the TiC-C hybrid matrix can be attributed to the effective mitigation against the large volume change in the ZnTe and the high conductivity, thereby facilitating electron transport during prolonged cycling.