Black P@MOx (M = Mg, Al, or Ti) composites as superior Li-ion battery anodes.

[Display omitted] • A new synthesis method of black P-based composites is developed. • The composites are composed of nanocrystalline black P within the metal oxide matrices. • The composites are investigated as anode materials in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. • Black P@TiO 2 exhibited excellent electrochemical performance. A simple, inexpensive, and scalable method for transforming phosphorous pentoxide (P 2 O 5) into black phosphorus (BP)-based composites was developed. The BP-based composites of BP@MgO, BP@Al 2 O 3 , and BP@TiO 2 synthesized by a one-pot mechanochemical reduction of P 2 O 5 using Mg, Al, or Ti were composed of nanocrystalline BP within the metal oxide matrices of MgO, Al 2 O 3 , or TiO 2 , respectively. Subsequently, the potential of these composites as anode materials in rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) was investigated. BP@TiO 2 showed the highest electrochemical performance among the BP-based composites. Specifically, the BP@TiO 2 exhibited a high reversible capacity over 510 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles and a fast rate capability of ~ 400 mAh g−1 at the 3C rate. The superior electrochemical performance of BP@TiO 2 was attributed to the well-dispersed nanocrystalline BP and the Li-reactive TiO 2 matrix. Additionally, the formation of Li x TiO 2 in the Li-reactive TiO 2 matrix during Li cycling increased the electrochemical Li-ion conductivity and diffusivity, contributing to the enhanced electrochemical performance. Therefore, the BP@TiO 2 synthesized by the one-pot mechanochemical reduction has high potential as a superior LIB anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]