Free-anchored Nb₂O₅@graphene networks for ultrafast-stable lithium storage

Orthorhombic Nb₂O₅ (T-Nb₂O₅) has structural merit but poor electrical conductivity, limiting their applications in energy storage. Although graphene is frequently adopted to effectively improve its electrochemical properties, the ordinary modified methods cannot meet the growing demands for high-performance. Here, we demonstrate that different graphene modified routes play a vital role in affecting the electrochemical performances of T-Nb₂O₅. By only manual shaking within one minute, Nb₂O₅ nano-particles can be rapidly adsorbed onto graphene, then the free-anchored T-Nb₂O₅@graphene three-dimensional networks can be successfully prepared based on hydrogel method. As for the application in lithium-ion batteries, it performs outstanding rate character (129 mA h g^-1 (25C rate), 110 mA h g^-1 (50C rate) and 90 mA h g^-1 (100C rate), correspond to 79%, 67% and 55% capacity of 0.5C rate, respectively) and excellent long-term cycling feature (∼70% capacity retention after 20000 cycles). Moreover, it still maintains similar ultrafast-stable lithium storage performances when Cu foil is substituted by Al foil as current collector. In addition, relevant kinetics mechanisms are also expounded. This work provides a versatile strategy for the preparation of graphene modified Nb₂O₅ or other types of nanoparticles.