Ordered WO_3−x nanorods: facile synthesis and their electrochemical properties for aluminum-ion batteries

In this work, we have synthesized ordered WO₃ nanorods via a facile hydrothermal process. And the series WO_3–x nanorods with oxygen vacancies are obtained via a subsequent thermal reduction process. The formation mechanisms of WO_3−x nanorods with different oxygen vacancies are proposed. And the electrochemical results reveal that the WO_3−x nanorods exhibit the improved specific capacity due to the oxygen vacancies caused by the thermal reduction. More importantly, the reaction mechanism of the WO_3−x nanorods as cathodes for aluminum-ion batteries has been proved.