A novel synthesis of Nb₂O₅@rGO nanocomposite as anode material for superior sodium storage

The development of novel anode materials, with superior rate capability, is of utmost significance for the successful realization of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we present a nanocomposite of Nb₂O₅ and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by using hydrothermal-assisted microemulsion route. The water-in-oil microemulsion formed nanoreactors, which restrained the particle size of Nb₂O₅ and shortened the diffusion length of ions. Moreover, the rGO network prevented agglomeration of Nb₂O₅ nanoparticles and improved electronic conductivity. Consequently, Nb₂O₅@rGO nanocomposite is employed as anode material in SIBs, delivering a capacity of 195 mAh/g after 200 charge/discharge cycles at 0.2 A/g. Moreover, owing to conductive rGO network, the Nb₂O₅@rGO electrode rendered a specific capacity of 76 mAh/g at high current density of 10 A/g and maintained 98 mAh/g after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at 2 A/g. The Nb₂O₅@rGO electrode material prepared by microemulsion method shows promising possibilities for application of SIBs.