Nb2O5-carbon core-shell nanocomposite as anode material for lithium ion battery

Nb₂O₅-carbon nanocomposite is synthesized through a facile one-step hydrothermal reaction from sucrose as the carbon source, and studied as an anode material for high-performance lithium ion battery. The structural characterizations reveal that the nanocomposite possesses a core-shell structure with a thin layer of carbon shell homogeneously coated on the Nb₂O₅ nanocrystals. Such a unique structure enables the composite electrode with a long cycle life by preventing the Nb₂O₅ from volume change and pulverization during the charge-discharge process. In addition, the carbon shell efficiently improves the rate capability. Even at a current density of 500 mA·g^?1, the composite electrode still exhibits a specific capacity of ～100 mAh·g^?1. These results suggest the possibility to utilize the Nb₂O₅-carbon core-shell composite as a high performance anode material in the practical application of lithium ion battery.