Metal-Organic Framework Derived Ge/TiO₂@C Nanotablets as High-Performance Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its long lifespan and high rate capability, arising from its excellent structural stability upon lithium intercalation-deintercalation, but suffers from low conductivity and diffusivity. In contrast, germanium (Ge) possesses high specific theoretical capacity (1600 mA h g⁻¹) as well as high electrical conductivity and high Li⁺ diffusivity, but the large volume changes upon cycling and the high price still impede its practical application. Herein, with the objective to overcome the drawbacks of TiO₂-based anode materials, Ge/TiO₂@C nanotablets with a small amount of Ge content are successfully prepared by annealing C₄H₁₂GeO₄/MIL-125 mixtures in Ar/H₂ atmosphere. Benefiting from the well-dispersion of Ge nanoparticles within the TiO₂@C matrices, the composites exhibit superior electrochemical performance when examined as a LIB anode material, delivering high reversible capacities of 502/258 mA h g⁻¹ after 200/500 cycles at current densities of 200/500 mA g⁻¹, respectively. Notably, the Ge/TiO₂@C shows enhanced surface/pore features and demonstrates improved conductivity, lithium diffusion and specific capacities, owing to the introduction of Ge component.