Electrochemically Anodized V2O5 as an Efficient Sodium Cathode

Vanadium oxide has a high theoretical capability for sodium storage, but this capability has often been plagued by sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics upon sodiation/desodiation. To alleviate this problem, we report on an ordered structure of V2O5 nanopores by electrochemical anodization. The nanopores are amorphous in structure, 30-40 nm in diameter, and similar to 2.4 mu m in depth, exhibiting favorable electrochemical performance for sodium. In the potential range between 1.5 and 3.8 V, the nanoporous architecture of V2O5 displays a reversible capacity of 177 mAh g(-1) with initial coulombic efficiency of 74% and retains a capacity of 69 mAh g(-1) over 50 cycles at a higher rate of 100 mA g(-1). The open framework of nanopores and the isotropic properties of the amorphous structure are believed to be responsible for the appealing electrochemical performance of anodized V2O5.

Automated summary

The ordered structure of V2O5 nanopores formed by electrochemical anodization exhibits favorable electrochemical performance for sodium storage, with high reversible capacity and cycling stability.