A novel synthesis of Nb₂O₅@N-CNF nanocomposite as anode material for superior sodium storage

The development of a novel anode material with excellent cycle performance is of great significance to the promotion of the sodium ion battery. Adopting the renewable material BC as raw material, Nitrogen-doped Nb2O5-three-dimensional porous carbon fiber network composite (Nb2O5@N-CNF) is prepared by a low-cost approach in the paper. The in-situ growth of Nb2O5 nano-particles on the carbon fiber surface inhibits the agglomeration of particles. The porous structure of carbon fiber promotes ionic transfer. Meanwhile, the structure of pyridine nitrogen, which is formed by the doping of N atoms, further enhances sodium storage. After 1000 times of cycle under the current density of 2 A g-1, the capacity of the Nb2O5@N-CNF electrode is 79 mAh g-1, its capacity retention increasing significantly, with great application prospect.