Niobium Based Materials for Supercapacitors

Abstract

In this chapter we discussed niobium-based materials as an important electrode elements for the developments of the next generation supercapacitors. Different structure of the niobium-based nanomaterials can find application as an electrode material in supercapacitor such as nanoporous niobium pentoxide, core-shell structured Nb2O5 nanoparticles, niobium oxide nanowires, niobium oxide nanorods, niobium oxide nanodots, titanium niobium oxide nanotubes, titanium niobium oxide nanofibers, etc. Nanoporous Nb2O5 is the best alternative electrode material for the replacement of conventional ruthenium electrodes because of its low cost, higher specific capacitance and energy density. A core-shell structure of Nb2O5 and carbon show higher stability with improved performance in the design of hybrid supercapacitors. Due to the better electron diffusion the 1-D nanowire of T- Nb2O5 exhibit better performance for supercapacitor applications. The unique behavior of the nanorod like nanoporous T- Nb2O5 NCs with high energy and power density shows an interesting pathway to the research of the supercapacitors. On the other hand electrode materials consist of T- Nb2O5 nanodots dispersed around a thin sheet of 2-D graphite oxide can be a potential design in terms of binder-free, free-standing electrodes. Design of hollow nanotube structures of TiNb2O7 can enhance the kinetics of the electrode in great extent in supercapacitor applications. Hence in this chapter we presented in detailed the improved performances of niobium-based nanomaterials for the design of supercapacitors.