Electrospun WNb12O33 nanowires: superior lithium storage capability and their working mechanism

Abstract

In this study, WNb₁₂O₃₃ with different morphologies were fabricated using various sample collectors through a facile electrospinning method. The WNb₁₂O₃₃ nanorods (NR-WNb₁₂O₃₃) were synthesized using a rounded roller as the sample collector, and the WNb₁₂O₃₃ nanowires (NW-WNb₁₂O₃₃) were prepared using a stainless steel net as a sample collector for the first time. The possible formation process of different morphologies may depend on the self-aggregation of the precursor. Evaluated as a lithium storage anode, NW-WNb₁₂O₃₃ exhibited higher reversible capacity, longer cycle life, and superior rate performance than NR-WNb₁₂O₃₃. Even when cycled at 700 mA g⁻¹, NW-WNb₁₂O₃₃ could retain capacity retention as high as 86.1% after 700 cycles (only 78.9% for NR-WNb₁₂O₃₃). Moreover, the structural change and lithium storage mechanism were studied via in situ X-ray diffraction. It was found that lithium ions insert into the WNb₁₂O₃₃ structure via three steps, and the total volume change is only 1.55%. In addition, in situ observation results also demonstrated that the lithiation/delithiation behavior of NW-WNb₁₂O₃₃ is highly reversible, which makes it a potential candidate for probable high-rate and long-life anode for lithium-ion batteries.