Search

The in-situ fabrication of nanomaterials on conductive substrate is regarded as a viable way to prepare high-performance energy-storage materials, which not only can save the tedious production processes but also eliminate the binders and conductive agents. In this work, homogeneous vertically-aligned VO 2 nanobelt arrays growing directly on the vanadium foil are prepared via a facile hydrothermal method. Thanks to the unique nanoarrays structure in shortening ion diffusion path and providing ample space for infiltration of electrolyte, the nanobelt arrays demonstrate good electrochemical performance in alkali metal ion batteries. When employed as cathode for Li-ion batteries, a reversible specific capacity of 444.2 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and stable cyclic life over 900 cycles (lasting over 3120 h) with 83.9% capacity retention are successfully achieved. Furthermore, the VO 2 arrays also exhibit an acceptable Na+-storage property and maintain good structure integrity upon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]