Pomegranate-like structured Nb2O5/Carbon@N-doped carbon composites as ultrastable anode for advanced sodium/potassium-ion batteries

The distinctive pomegranate-like Nb2O5/Carbon@N-doped carbon (Nb2O5/C@NC) composites are fabricated using hydrothermal method integrated with nitrogen doped carbon coating procedure. For the SIBs anode, the Nb2O5/C@NC composites present superior rate character and sustainable capacity (117 mAh g(-1) upon 1000 cycles at 5 A g(-1)). The in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) is utilized to research its sodium storage mechanism. Furthermore, for PIB5, the Nb2O5/C@NC composites present sustainable capacity (81 mAh g(-1) upon 1000 cycles at 1 A g(-1)). The outstanding performance of Nb2O5/C@NC composites is ascribed to its unique architecture, in which Nb2O5 nanocrystals embedded in porous carbon can restrain agglomeration of Nb2O5 nanocrystals, enhance electron/ion diffusion kinetics, and ensure electrolyte accessibility, and moreover, NC shell layer can provide effective active sites and further increase ions/electrons transfer. (C) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The distinctive Nb2O5/C@NC composites, fabricated using a hydrothermal method and nitrogen doped carbon coating procedure, exhibit superior performance in both sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries, thanks to their unique structure and characteristics.