Nanoscale Niobium Oxides Anode for Electrochemical Lithium and Sodium Storage: A Review of Recent Improvements

In recent years, Nb-based oxides, especially Nb₂O₅, due to their unique structural advantages, have stimulated scholars’ extensive research enthusiasm in the field of energy storage systems including lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium ion batteries (SIBs), excellent chemical stability and outstanding rate capability dominated by pseudocapacitive nature. In addition, Nb-based oxides usually have a higher operating voltage (> 1.0 V vs Li⁺/Li), which can effectively prevent the decomposition of organic electrolytes and the formation of solid electrolyte interface films in batteries. This review systematically summarizes the different crystal structures of Nb₂O₅ and the lithium storage mechanism based on theoretical calculations, as well as the comparison of various synthesis strategies. In addition, the advanced research progress of niobium-based oxides as anode materials in LIBs and SIBs is summarized from the perspective of nanostructure control engineering that affects electrochemical performance. It also puts forward reasonable cognition and challenges for future research, which is conducive to the design of energy storage equipment that meets the needs of sustainable development.

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