Ti-doped Nb2O5 as cathode for Mg–Li hybrid batteries
摘要
Cathode materials of high capacity and long cycling stability are of great importance for the development of Mg–Li hybrid ion batteries (MLIBs). Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) is a promising cathode material for MLIBs due to the fast charge/discharge ability and relatively high capacity. However, the poor electronic conductivity limits the application of Nb2O5 in MLIBs. In this work, the Ti-doped Nb2O5 cathode material was synthesized via a simple method by tetrabutyl titanate cladding and calcining. The results show that a mass of fine nanoparticles is formed on the surface of micron Nb2O5 particles. The electrochemical results indicate that Ti-doping improves the special capacity and cycling stability of Nb2O5. In particular, the Ti-doped Nb2O5 possesses a specific capacity of 220.5 mAh g−1 and a retention of 63.3% at 50 mA g−1 after 100 cycles, obviously higher than the undoped Nb2O5 of 35.0%. The improved electrochemical performance of Ti-doped Nb2O5 can be attributed to the newly formed nanoparticles and enhanced electronic conductivity by Ti-doping.