Self-Assembled Surfactant-Polyoxovanadate Soft Materials as Tuneable Vanadium Oxide Cathode Precursors for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Monodisperse Manganese-Vanadium-Oxo Clusters with Extraordinary Lithium Storage

Although possessing well-defined nanostructures and excellent multi-electron redox properties, polyoxometalate clusters have poor intrinsic electrical conductivity and are prone to aggregation due to large surface energy, which makes them difficult to be fully utilized when applying as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, monodisperse K7MnV13O38 (MnV13) clusters are achieved by rationally utilizing nano-sized high conductive carbon dots (CDs) as stabilizers. Benefiting from the fully exposed redox sites of MnV13 clusters (high utilization rate) and sufficient interfaces with carbon dots (extra interfacial energy storage), the optimized MnV13/10CDs anode delivers a high discharge capacity up to 1348 mAh g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and exhibits superb rate/cycling capabilities. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations verify that ionic archway channels are formed between MnV13 and CDs, eliminating the bandgap and greatly improving the electron/ion conductivity of MnV13 and CDs. This paper paves a brand-new way for synthesis of monodisperse clusters and maximization of extra interfacial energy storage.

Metal-Ion Intercalation Mechanisms in Vanadium Pentoxide and Its New Perspectives

The investigation into intercalation mechanisms in vanadium pentoxide has garnered significant attention within the realm of research, primarily propelled by its remarkable theoretical capacity for energy storage. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements that have enriched our understanding of these intricate mechanisms. Notwithstanding its exceptional storage capacity, the compound grapples with challenges arising from inherent structural instability. Researchers are actively exploring avenues for improving electrodes, with a focus on innovative structures and the meticulous fine-tuning of particle properties. Within the scope of this review, we engage in a detailed discussion on the mechanistic intricacies involved in ion intercalation within the framework of vanadium pentoxide. Additionally, we explore recent breakthroughs in understanding its intercalation properties, aiming to refine the material's structure and morphology. These refinements are anticipated to pave the way for significantly enhanced performance in various energy storage applications.