Homologous V2O3/C box-in-box and V2O5 box for lithium-ion full cells

Abstract

Rational construction of metal oxides-based electrode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) is essential to simultaneously overcome their low conductivity and vulnerable nanostructure. Here, we demonstrate the design and synthesis of homologous V₂O₃/C box-in-box and V₂O₅ boxes as anodes and cathodes for all-nanobox based LIB full cells, which are subsequently obtained by thermal treatment in different atmospheres. While the V₂O₅ box cathodes can provide abundant active sites, short ionic diffusion distances and partial volume flexibility, the key design concept of the V₂O₃/C box-in-box is the carbon box-in-box, which further enhances the structural durability during lithiation/delithiation, hence giving rise to an extended lifespan. As proof-of-concept, the V₂O₃/C box-in-box anodes deliver a high reversible capacity of 641 mA h g⁻¹ even after 1200 cycles at 1000 mA g⁻¹, while the V₂O₅ box cathodes possess a specific capacity of 119 mA h g⁻¹ at 10C with superior cycling stability. Importantly, a V₂O₃/C//V₂O₅ LIB full cell is assembled, which shows an impressive specific capacity of 97 mA h g⁻¹ at 500 mA g⁻¹ with a capacity retention of 81 mA h g⁻¹ even after 100 cycles based on the cathode material weight.