Fabrication of layered Ti₃C₂ with an accordion-like structure as a potential cathode material for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries

L-Ti₃C₂ was prepared by exfoliating Ti₃AlC₂ in 40% HF. With sulfur-loaded L-Ti₃C₂ as cathodes, Li–S batteries deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 1291 mA h g⁻¹, an excellent capacity retention of 970 mA h g⁻¹ and coulombic efficiency of 99% after 100 cycles.