Nb2O5 nanobelts:: A lithium intercalation host with large capacity and high rate capability

In this study, Nb2O5 nanobelts, with a ca. similar to 15 nm in thickness, ca. similar to 60 nm in width and several tens of mircrometers in length, have first been used as the electrode material for lithium intercalation over the potential window of 3.0-1.2 V (vs. Li+/Li). It delivers an initial intercalation capacity of 250 mA hg(-1) at 0.1 Ag-1 current density, corresponding to x = 2.5 for LNb205, and can still keep relative stable and reaches as large as 180 mA hg(-1) after 50 cycles. Surprisingly, the electrodes composed of Nb2O5 nanobelts can work smoothly even at high current density of 10 Ag-1, and shows higher specific capacity and excellent cycling stable, as well as sloped feature in voltage profile. Cycling test indicates Nb2O5 nanobelts electrode shows a high reversible charge/discharge capacity, high rate capability with excellent cycling stability. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.