WNb60O153: A novel energy storage material with high rate capability

In this study, microsized WNb60O153 bulks and nanostructured WNb60O153 nanowires have been successfully prepared through solid-state reaction and electrospinning technique. Contributed to nanostructured architecture, WNb60O153 nanowires have better performance than microsized WNb60O153 bulks, which is verified by the comparison of galvanostatic charge/discharge experiment, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and high-rate analysis. Revealed by electrochemical measurements, WNb60O153 nanowires deliver a higher specific capacity of 174 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 than that of microsized WNb60O153 bulks (153 mAh g−1). Furthermore, it can reach a capacity of 134 mAh g−1 at a higher rate of 1000 mA g−1. It is worth mentioning that the longer cycle life, superior rate performance and higher reversible capacity is contributed to the great lithium-ion diffusion coefficient of WNb60O153 nanowires, which are also higher than other Nb-based compounds and conventional Ti-based anode materials. In addition, in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique is carried out to further elucidate the structural stability and reversibility for the WNb60O153 nanowires. All the evidences prove that electrospun WNb60O153 nanowires can be employed as an alternative electrode material for the lithium-ions batteries (LIBs).