Fabrication of Nb2O5 nanosheets for high-rate lithium ion storage applications

Nb2O5 nanosheets are successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal reaction and followed heating treatment in air. The structural characterization reveals that the thickness of these sheets is around 50 nm and the length of sheets is 500 ~ 800 nm. Such a unique two dimensional structure enables the nanosheet electrode with superior performance during the charge-discharge process, such as high specific capacity (~184 mAh·g(-1)) and rate capability. Even at a current density of 1 A·g(-1), the nanosheet electrode still exhibits a specific capacity of ~90 mAh·g(-1). These results suggest the Nb2O5 nanosheet is a promising candidate for high-rate lithium ion storage applications.