Nb2O5 nanoparticles embedded in the porous carbon as an advanced anode for half and full lithium ion batteries

Niobium pentoxide (Nb 2 O 5 ) possesses multiple redox couples, pseudocapacitive features and moderate operating voltage, which has been considered as a promising anode material. However, its poor conductivity can lead to sluggish reaction kinetics and severe capacity decay, and low theoretical capacity further restricts its commercial application. Herein, Nb 2 O 5 nanoparticles embedded in the porous carbon (Nb 2 O 5 /PC) are successfully fabricated using hydrothermal reaction and succedent heating treatment. Benefiting from high conductivity and malleability of PC, Nb 2 O 5 /PC composite delivers superior cycling performance and fast reaction kinetics. Notably, the PC matrix can improve pseudocapacitive contribution, accelerate the Li + diffusion behavior and reduce the charge transfer resistance of Nb 2 O 5 nanoparticles, presenting stable reaction interfaces. Furthermore, the superior electrochemical performance of Nb 2 O 5 /PC//LiFePO 4 full cell lays a good foundation for subsequent exploration of high-performance anode electrodes.