Nb2O5-carbon core-shell nanocomposite as anode material for lithium ion battery

• Published in: Journal of energy chemistry 2013-05, Vol.22 (3), p.357-362
• Main Authors: Li, Ge, Wang, Xiaolei, Ma, Xueming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; 复合电极; 核壳型; 碳源; 纳米复合材料; 结构表征; 负极材料; 铌; 锂离子电池
• ISSN: 2095-4956
• DOI: 10.1016/S2095-4956(13)60045-5

Nb2O5-carbon nanocomposite is synthesized through a facile one-step hydrothermal reaction from sucrose as the carbon source, and stuclled as an anode material for high-performance lithium ion battery. The structural characterizations reveal that the nanocomposite possesses a core-shell structure with a thin layer of carbon shell homogeneously coated on the Nb2O5 nanocrystals. Such a unique structure enables the composite electrode with a long cycle life by preventing the Nb2O5 from volume change and pulverization during the charge-discharge process. In addition, the carbon shell efficiently improves the rate capability. Even at a current density of 500 mA.g-1, the composite electrode still exhibits a specific capacity of ~100 mAh.g-1. These results suggest the possibility to utilize the Nb2O5-carbon core-shell composite as a high performance anode material in the practical application of lithium ion battery.