Aspergillus oryzae spore carbon/niobium oxide composite material as anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Herein, we propose a facile solvothermal (ST) method to combine aspergillus oryzae spore carbon (ASC) with niobium oxide to form ASC/Nb2O5 composite material. Nb2O5 nanoparticles are homogeneously decorated on the surface of ASC with wrinkled secondary architecture, which provides an interconnected network for fast electron/ion transportation. Impressively, positive advantages including fast reaction kinetics, large specific surface area & porosity and enhanced structural stability are acquired in the well-designed ASC/Nb2O5 composite. Consequently, superior electrochemical performance is obtained for the designed ASC/Nb2O5 electrode, which delivers discharge capacities of 189 and 65 mA h g-1 as the current density increases from 0.2 C to 20 C. Moreover, good long-time cycling span is further convinced for the ASC/Nb2O5 electrode with retention of 50.8% at 5 C after 1200 cycles. Our research paves the road for synthesis of advanced high-power electrodes for energy storage devices.