2D Mesoporous Nanomesh from N-Doped Carbon-Encapsulated V2O3 Nanowires as an Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Vanadium (III) oxide nanomaterials have been investigated and considered as potential anode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) mesoporous nanomeshes from carbon-encapsulated V2O3, though is technically challenging, can further enhance its electrochemical performances due to the shortening of the Li+-ion diffusion distance, the highly conductive pathway for electrons, and the tremendous increase of surface areas. In this paper, an ice-templated assembly approach is utilized to fabricate a 2D mesoporous nanomesh from N-doped carbon-encapsulated V2O3 (V2O3@N-C Nm). The V2O3@N-C Nm anode exhibits a highly reversible capacity of similar to 651 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 200 mA g(-1) over 100 cycles, which is 2.5 times and 1.3 times higher than those of V2O3 Nm and V2O3@N-C nanocomposite (V2O3@N-C Nc), respectively. The superior electrochemical performances of V2O3@N-C Nm are mainly due to its unique nanomesh nanostructure, which facilitates the lithiation/delithiation process, alleviates structural collapse, enhances electrical conductivity, and provides efficient diffusion channels.