Orthogonal Nb2O5 anchored on graphene as a high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

Currently, anode materials for lithium-ion batteries face many challenges, including limited energy density and shortened lifetime in long-term charge/discharge cycling, which limit their further development and wide application. In the process of exploring new anode materials, Nb2O5 has gained widespread attention in the industry due to its excellent energy density and cycle stability properties. However, Nb2O5 is limited in its application in battery cycling due to poor conductivity and volume expansion. To solve these problems, Nb2O5 composite with carbon material has been proved to be an effective method. In this paper, three-dimensional layered porous Nb2O5/G materials were prepared by compositing niobium oxalate and graphene together using a one-pot hydrothermal method. The structural properties of graphene can help to disperse Nb2O5 particles and prevent their agglomeration, thus improving the cycling stability of the electrode material. Graphene has a large specific surface area, and its open structure allows better penetration of the electrolyte and promotes Li+ transport. On the other hand, graphene improves the overall material conductivity while also solving the problems of volume expansion and rapid capacity decay of Nb2O5 during the reaction process. The prepared Nb2O5/G anode material has excellent performance, the specific capacity remains at 668 mAh g- 1 after 400 cycles at 0.1 A g-1, and 80.3 mAh g- 1 after 1500 cycles at 5 A g-1.