Free-standing vanadium pentoxide nanoribbon film as a high-performance cathode for rechargeable sodium batteries

摘要

Vanadium pentoxide(V_2O_5·nH_2O) nanoribbons are synthesized via a hydrothermal process. These ribbons are 20 nm thick, 200 nm to 1 μm wide and several tens of micrometers long. Free-standing binder-free films are prepared by using these nanoribbons with multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs) and used as the cathode for rechargeable sodium batteries. The large interlayer space between the V_2O_5 bilayers can enhance the kinetics of sodium ion intercalation/deintercalation. In addition, the intertwining network of the V_2O_5·0.34 H_2O film provides efficient electron conduction pathways and shortens diffusion distances of sodium ion. The electrochemical tests prove that the freestanding V_2O_5 · 0.34 H_2O film cathode delivers high reversible specific capacities(190 mAh/g) and good cycling stabilities(170 mAh/g after 150 cycles) in the voltage range between 1.5 V and 3.5 V.