Integrating amorphous vanadium oxide into carbon nanofibers via electrospinning as high-performance anodes for alkaline ion (Li+/Na+/K+) batteries

To explore advanced anode materials with superior Li+/Na+/K+ storage performances for alkaline ion batteries (AIBs), a hybrid of amorphous vanadium oxide uniformly embedded into the highly defective carbon nanofibers (denoted as VOx@CNFs) was fabricated via a facile electrospinning method followed by proper heat treatment in this work. The integrated structure synergistically combines the advantages of the amorphous VOx and the defective carbon matrices, which can not only bring abundant active sites for ion storage and multi-channels for ion diffusion, but also well accommodate the structural change induced electrode pulverization. When evaluated as anode materials for AIBs, the optimized VOx@CNFs demonstrate excellent alkaline ion storage performances with high-specific capacities, long-cycling life and high-rate capabilities, delivering a Na+ storage capacity of 260 mAh g(-1) at 1.0 A g(-1) after 1000 cycles, a Li+ storage capacity of 556 mAh g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) after 500 cycles, and a K+ storage capacity of 198 mAh g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) after 400 cycles. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A hybrid material of amorphous vanadium oxide uniformly embedded into highly defective carbon nanofibers (VOx@CNFs) was fabricated and demonstrated excellent alkaline ion storage performances. It provides abundant active sites for ion storage, multiple channels for ion diffusion, and can accommodate structural changes effectively.