Rechargeable lithium battery based on a single hexagonal tungsten trioxide nanowire

In this paper, we report on a rechargeable lithium battery based on a single hexagonal tungsten oxide (h-WO3) nanowire. This nanobattery can discharge at a voltage of 0.27–0.1 V and a current of 20–10 pA for more than 1000 s with a capacity of 15.2 nC, suggesting that each WO3 molecule could accommodate 1.8–2.2 Li+ ions on average. It exhibits excellent stability and repeatability. Real time ultraviolet (UV) light detection is achieved through a single WO3 nanowire based UV sensor, which is powered by the nanobattery.

A rechargeable lithium battery based on a single hexagonal tungsten oxide nanowire has been demonstrated. It exhibits excellent stability and repeatability. Real time ultraviolet light detection is achieved through a UV sensor which is powered by the nanobattery.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A rechargeable lithium battery is built on a single WO3 nanowire.
► It discharges a current of 20–10 pA for ∼1000 s with a capacity of 15.2 nC.
► Each WO3 molecule could accommodate 1.8–2.2 Li+ ions on average.
► The nanobattery exhibits excellent stability and repeatability.
► Real time UV detection powered by the nanobattery is demonstrated.