Interpenetrating network V2O5 nanosheets/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite for fast lithium storage

Abstract

Rapid charge and discharge cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries have been commonly researched for the development of electrical mobility applications. Here, an interpenetrating network vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanosheets/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposite was fabricated by a freeze-drying process. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy tests indicated that the CNTs and V₂O₅ nanosheets form an interpenetrating network structure. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirmed that the V₂O₅ nanosheets exhibit orthorhombic crystal structure and mixed element states in the nanocomposite. The electrochemical properties of the V₂O₅ nanosheets/CNTs nanocomposite were studied by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. The results indicated that the V₂O₅ nanosheets/CNTs nanocomposite exhibits high specific capacity and good cycling stability. The initial specific capacity of the V₂O₅ nanosheets/CNTs nanocomposite is 130.7 mA h g⁻¹ for a current density up to 5.0 A g⁻¹ and remains at 100.1 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles.