Haoxuan Zhang

Homologous V2O3/C box-in-box and V2O5 box for lithium-ion full cells

Rational construction of metal oxides-based electrode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) is essential to simultaneously overcome their low conductivity and vulnerable nanostructure. Here, we demonstrate the design and synthesis of homologous V2O3/C box-in-box and V2O5 boxes as anodes and cathodes for all-nanobox based LIB full cells, which are subsequently obtained by thermal treatment in different atmospheres. While the V2O5 box cathodes can provide abundant active sites, short ionic diffusion distances and partial volume flexibility, the key design concept of the V2O3/C box-in-box is the carbon box-in-box, which further enhances the structural durability during lithiation/delithiation, hence giving rise to an extended lifespan. As proof-of-concept, the V2O3/C box-in-box anodes deliver a high reversible capacity of 641 mA h g−1 even after 1200 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, while the V2O5 box cathodes possess a specific capacity of 119 mA h g−1 at 10C with superior cycling stability. Importantly, a V2O3/C//V2O5 LIB full cell is assembled, which shows an impressive specific capacity of 97 mA h g−1 at 500 mA g−1 with a capacity retention of 81 mA h g−1 even after 100 cycles based on the cathode material weight.