Design of N-graphene-NbOx hybrid nanosheets with sandwich-like structure and electrocatalytic performance towards oxygen reduction reaction

Creation of oxygen reduction reaction active sites on titanium oxynitride without increasing the nitrogen doping level

Active sites were created on ORR-active titanium oxynitride by low-temperature annealing without changing the nitrogen doping level to determine their origin.

Preparation and enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen-evolution activity of ZnGa2O4/N-rGO heterostructures

Schematic diagram of photocatalytic hydrogen-evolution of ZnGa₂O₄/N-rGO illustrating that N-rGO acted as a catalyst support and electron sink for promoting charge separation and transfer.

Recent advances in nanostructured Nb-based oxides for electrochemical energy storage

For the past five years, nanostructured niobium-based oxides have emerged as one of the most prominent materials for batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cell technologies, for instance, TiNb2O7 as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), Nb2O5 as an electrode for supercapacitors (SCs), and niobium-based oxides as chemically stable electrochemical supports for fuel cells. Their high potential window can prevent the formation of lithium dendrites, and their rich redox chemistry (Nb(5+)/Nb(4+), Nb(4+)/Nb(3+)) makes them very promising electrode materials. Their unique chemical stability under acid conditions is favorable for practical fuel-cell operation. In this review, we summarized recent progress made concerning the use of niobium-based oxides as electrodes for batteries (LIBs, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs)), SCs, and fuel cell applications. Moreover, crystal structures, charge storage mechanisms in different crystal structures, and electrochemical performances in terms of the specific capacitance/capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability of niobium-based oxides are discussed. Insights into the future research and development of niobium-based oxide compounds for next-generation electrochemical devices are also presented. We believe that this review will be beneficial for research scientists and graduate students who are searching for promising electrode materials for batteries, SCs, and fuel cells.

High-voltage capabilities of ultra-thin Nb2O5 nanosheet coated LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathodes

The surface coating of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3 electrode with 1.1 nm Nb₂O₅ nanosheet enhanced the high voltage capability and long term stability of the charged state at 60 °C by reducing the contact area between electrode and electrolyte.