Three-dimensional cage-like structured VOF@CNT composite material: In situ one-step synthesis and high-performance as the anode for lithium-ion batteries

Fabricating composites with three-dimensional (3D) nano-vanadium-based oxides and with carbon materials is one of the most effective ways to improve the performance of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we firstly synthesized 3D V 2 O 5 flowers (VOF) composed of interconnected ultrathin nanobelts through the surfactant-induced hydrothermal method , using vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) as vanadium source and carbon nanotubes as the carbon matrix. And then, the 3D VOF@CNT composite anode material was successfully prepared by in-situ bonding carbon nanotubes (CNT). Test results showed that the CNT can effectively inhibit the agglomeration of VOF nanoparticles , and thereby optimize the composite anode material's cycling stability and electrical conductivity . Meanwhile, as the carrier of lithium-ion (Li + ), the VOF has a unique petal-like structure, which not only contributes to the Li + diffusion and electron ( e - ) transport along the radial direction , but also provides sufficient space for the storage of Li + and relieves the volume change of electrode during the cycle. Therefore, the composite electrode material still maintains at a high capacity of 417.7 mAh·g −1 after 200 cycles when the current density is 0.1 A·g −1 . This work provides a method for preparing transition metal oxide electrode materials with great electrochemical performance and cycle stability.