Single-Crystal Nano-Subunits Assembled Accordion-Shape WNb2O8 Framework with High Ionic/Electronic Conductivities towards Li-Ion Capacitors

Recently, Li-ion capacitors (LICs) have drawn tremendous attention due to their high energy/power density along with long cycle life. Nevertheless, the slow kinetics and stability of the involved anodes as bottleneck barriers always result in the modest properties of devices. The exploration of advanced anodes with both high ionic and electronic conductivities as well as structural stability thus becomes more significant for practical applications of LICs. Herein, a single-crystal nano-subunits assembled hierarchical accordion-shape WNb2O8 micro-/nano framework is first designed via a one-step scalable strategy with the multi-layered Nb2CTx as a precursor. The underlying solid solution Li-storage mechanism of the WNb2O8 just with a volumetric expansion of approximate to 1.5% is proposed with in situ analysis. Benefiting from congenitally crystallographic merits, single-crystalline characteristic, and open accordion-like architecture, the resultant WNb2O8 as a robust anode platform is endowed with fast electron/ion transport capability and multi-electron redox contributions from W/Nb, and accordingly, delivers a reversible capacity of approximate to 135.5 mAh g(-1) at a high rate of 2.0 A g(-1). The WNb2O8 assembled LICs exhibit an energy density of approximate to 33.0 Wh kg(-1) at 9 kW kg(-1), coupled with remarkable electrochemical stability. The work provides meaningful insights into the rational design and construction of advanced bimetallic niobium oxides for next-generation LICs.

Automated summary

Recently, Li-ion capacitors (LICs) have gained significant attention due to their high energy/power density and long cycle life. However, the slow kinetics and stability of the involved anodes have always limited the performance of these devices. Therefore, it is crucial to explore advanced anodes with high ionic and electronic conductivities, as well as structural stability, for practical applications of LICs.