• A novel NRP/Ti3C2 nanocomposite is synthesized via a facile chemical precipitation method, achieving uniform dispersion of red phosphorus nanoparticles on Ti3C2 nanosheets.
• The Ti3C2 matrix effectively mitigates volume expansion and enhances electronic conductivity, leading to improved cycling stability and rate capability for sodium-ion storage.
• The NRP/Ti3C2 anode delivers a high reversible capacity of ~862 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1 and retains 525.2 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles, demonstrating excellent long-term performance.
• A free-standing NRP/Ti3C2 electrode is fabricated, achieving an areal capacity of ~2.21 mAh·cm−2, offering a promising pathway for high-energy-density sodium-ion batteries.