T-Nb2O5 quantum dots prepared by electrodeposition for fast Li ion intercalation/deintercalation

T-Nb2O5 quantum dots were electrodeposited on Ti nanorod arrays to prepare Ti@T-Nb2O5 core-shell array electrodes. The particle size of T-Nb2O5 could be manipulated by adjusting the depositing current density, and quantum dots several nanometers in size could be obtained at a deposition current of 6 mA cm(-2). Benefiting from the ultra-small particle size of T-Nb2O5 and the array structure, Ti@T-Nb2O5 nanorod arrays exhibited good rate capability and durability when used as self-supported Li ion battery anodes. The arrays possessed capacities of 350 and 70 mAh g(-1) at rate currents of 0.06 and 30 A g(-1), respectively. Furthermore, the electrodes maintained 500 cycles without obvious decay at a high rate current of 30 A g(-1).