Porous nanostructured V2O5 film electrode with excellent Li-ion intercalation properties

Porous nanostructured V2O5 films were prepared by electrodeposition from V2O5 sol with the addition of block copolymer Pluoronic P123, and they can be readily applied as Li-ion battery cathode without adding any polymer binder or conductive additives. SEM images showed an ideal morphology for Li+ intercalation favored charge transfer kinetics, which is a combination of homogeneously distributed nano-pores and V2O5 nanoparticles. Electrochemical measurements revealed that, the porous nanostructured V2O5 films have a high discharge capacity of 160 mAh/g at 9 A/g, and maintain 240 mAh/g after 40 cycles at 300 mA/g. The excellent Li+ intercalation property could be ascribed to the high surface area, sufficient contact between electrode materials and electrolyte, short Li+ diffusion path, as well as the good accommodation for volume change which are benefited from homogeneously distributed nano-pores and V2O5 nanoparticles.

► Porous nanostructured V2O5 films were fabricated by electrodeposition method. ► The addition of block copolymer P123 promotes the formation of porous structure. ► Porous V2O5 films combine homogeneous nanopores and nanoparticles in microstructure. ► They possess higher energy density and power density compared to folded films.