Exploring the low voltage behavior of V2O5 aerogel as intercalation host for sodium ion battery

Abstract

Boosted by costs benefits, the development of room temperature Na-ion batteries is strongly desired for stationary applications. In this study we explore the possible use of V2O5 aerogel as anode material for sodium ion batteries. The aerogel is able to reversibly insert more than 3 Eq. of sodium in the voltage range 0.1 V–4 V vs. Na/Na+ demonstrating to possess additional capacity when cycled to lower voltage. The anode delivers about 200 mAh g−1 in the voltage range 0.01 V–1.5 V vs. Na/Na+. The preliminary characterization of a full Na-ion cell made coupling the V2O5 aerogel anode with carbon-coated Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode is also reported. The cell, showing an average voltage of 2.5 V, performed 200 cycles with good efficiency and a maximum specific capacity of 113 mAh per gram of anode material.