Micro-nano structured VNb_(9)O_(25)anode with superior electronic conductivity for high-rate and long-life lithium storage

The oxygen vacancies and micro-nano structure can optimize the electron/Li+migration kinetics in anode materials for lithium batteries(LIBs).Here,porous micro-nano structured VNb_(9)O_(25)composites with rich oxygen vacancies were reasonably prepared via a facile solvothermal method combined with annealing treatment at 800℃for 30 h(VNb_(9)O_(25)-30 h).This micro-nano structure can enhance the contact of active material/electrolyte,and shorten the Li+diffusion distance.The introduction of oxygen vacancies can further boosts the intrinsic conductivity of VNb_(9)O_(25)-30 h for achieving excellent LIB performance.The as-prepared VNb_(9)O_(25)-30 h anode showed advanced rate capability with reversible capacity of 122.2 m A h g^(-1)at 4 A g^(-1),and delivered excellent capacity retention of~100%after 2000 cycles.Meanwhile,VNb_(9)O_(25)-30 h provides unexpected long-cycle life(i.e.,reversible capacity of 165.7 m A h g^(-1)at 1 A g^(-1)with a high capacity retention of 85.6%even after 8000 cycles).Additionally,coupled with the Li Fe PO4 cathode,the Li Fe PO4//VNb_(9)O_(25)-30 h full cell delivers superior LIB properties with high reversible capacities of 91.6 m A h g^(-1)at 5 C for 1000 cycles.Thus,such reasonable construction method can assist in other high-performance niobium-based oxides in LIBs.

Fast and extensive intercalation chemistry in Wadsley-Roth phase based high-capacity electrodes

Wadsley-Roth (W-R) structured oxides featured with wide channels represent one of the most promising material families showing compelling rate performance for lithium-ion batteries.Herein,we report an indepth study on the fast and extensive intercalation chemistry of phosphorus stabilized W-R phase PNb_(9)O_(25) and its application in high energy and fast-charging devices.We explore the intercalation geometry of PNb_(9)O_(25) and identify two geometrical types of stable insertion sites with the total amount much higher than conventional intercalation-type electrodes.We reveal the ion transportation kinetics that the Li ions initially diffuse along the open type Ⅲ channels and then penetrate to edge sites with low kinetic barriers.During the lithiation,no remarkable phase transition is detected with nearly intact host phosphorous niobium oxide backbone.Therefore,the oxide framework of PNb_(9)O_(25) keeps almost unchanged with all the fast diffusion channels and insertion cavities well-maintained upon cycling,which accomplishes the unconventional electrochemical performance of W-R structured electrodes.