3D flower-like NC@V2O3 constructed by nanoparticles for lithium-ion batteries

The morphology and structural engineering of V2O3 anode of lithium-ion batteries plays a significant role in improving the energy storage performance since V2O3 material suffers from tremendous volume changes, self-aggregation and intrinsic poor conductivity. In this work, we devise a novel 3D self-supporting N, C doped-V2O3 (NC@V2O3) composite, which consist of nanoparticles by adding urea to obtain 3D flower-like V2O3 microspheres precursor during the annealing process. The V2O3 microspheres self-assembled with nanosheets is fabricated by one-step solvothermal route. A possible morphological evolution mechanism of fabrication of granular NC@V2O3 is explored by SEM and TEM. As anode in Li+ batteries, NC@V2O3 material exhibits outstanding rate performance of 227 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 2 A g(-1) and a reversible capacity of 272 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) after 200 cycles. Such great performance is attributed to granulated NC@V2O3 architecture, which increasing the contact area of electrode-electrolyte and shortening Li+ diffusion pathway. In addition, the doped N and C atoms can create more defects, providing electrochemical active sites and electronic conduction. The achievements of this study may provide new insight into design novel architecture of V2O3 anode.

Automated summary

The novel 3D self-supporting N, C doped-V2O3 (NC@V2O3) composite demonstrated outstanding rate performance and reversible capacity in lithium-ion battery applications due to its granulated structure and the defects provided by doped N and C atoms.