Hexagonal-WO3 nanorods encapsulated in nitrogen and sulfur co-doped reduced graphene oxide as a high-performance anode material for lithium ion batteries

One-step construction of hexagonal WO3 nano-shuttles with enhanced lithium storage performance

In this work, WO3 nanorod-based aggregates and WO3 nano-shuttles were constructed by a facile hydrothermal route. The structure, morphology, element composition and valence state of the formed WO3 samples were characterized using different testing instruments. As the active anode for lithium-ion batteries, the WO3 nano-shuttle electrode can deliver a reversible specific capacity of 614.7 mA h g-1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g-1. The excellent electrochemical properties indicate that WO3 nano-shuttles are a prospective anode candidate for high performance lithium-ion batteries.

Facile construction of ZnWO4/ZnO porous nanoplates on reduced graphene oxide for superior lithium storage

Zinc tungstate (ZnWO4) shows great promise as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its reversible multi-electron redox reactions and high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, the low conductivity and big strain during cycling can lead to the inferior electrochemical properties of the ZnWO4 anode, hindering its practical application. Herein, we report a novel composite with ZnWO4/ZnO porous nanoplates in-situ constructed on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by a metal-organic framework template strategy. The nanoplates with good porosity are composed of nanoparticles and nanorods, providing a short Li+-diffusion distance and plentiful Li+ storage active sites. The introduction of rGO can accelerate charge transfer and reinforce structural stability. As a result of these advantages, the ZnWO4/ZnO/rGO composite as LIBs anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 811 mAh g after 100 cycles at 200 mA g-1, excellent rate capability (437 mAh g at 5000 mA g-1), and good long cycling stability (485 mAh g after 500 cycles at 2000 mA g-1). Notably, the rate capability of the composite far precedes the previously reported ZnWO4-based anodes. This work provides an efficient approach for designing and fabricating advanced metal tungstate-based anodes for high-performance LIBs.

Architecting Hierarchical WO3 Agglomerates Assembled With Straight and Parallel Aligned Nanoribbons Enabling High Capacity and Robust Stability of Lithium Storage

The pursuit of electrochemical energy storage has led to a pressing need on materials with high capacities and energy densities; however, further progress is plagued by the restrictive capacity (372 mAh g⁻¹) of conventional graphite materials. Tungsten trioxide (WO₃)-based anodes feature high theoretical capacity (693 mAh g⁻¹), suitable potential, and affordable cost, arousing ever-increasing attention and intense efforts. Nonetheless, developing high-performance WO₃ electrodes that accommodate lithium ions remains a daunting challenge on account of sluggish kinetics characteristics and large volume strain. Herein, the well-designed hierarchical WO₃ agglomerates assembled with straight and parallel aligned nanoribbons are fabricated and evaluated as an anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which exhibits an ultra-high capacity and excellent rate capability. At a current density of 1,000 mA g⁻¹, a reversible capacity as high as 522.7 mAh g⁻¹ can be maintained after 800 cycles, corresponding to a high capacity retention of ∼80%, demonstrating an exceptional long-durability cyclic performance. Furthermore, the mechanistic studies on the lithium storage processes of WO₃ are probed, providing a foundation for further optimizations and rational designs. These results indicate that the well-designed hierarchical WO₃ agglomerates display great potential for applications in the field of high-performance LIBs.

Advances in Electrochemical Energy Devices Constructed with Tungsten Oxide-Based Nanomaterials

Tungsten oxide-based materials have drawn huge attention for their versatile uses to construct various energy storage devices. Particularly, their electrochromic devices and optically-changing devices are intensively studied in terms of energy-saving. Furthermore, based on close connections in the forms of device structure and working mechanisms between these two main applications, bifunctional devices of tungsten oxide-based materials with energy storage and optical change came into our view, and when solar cells are integrated, multifunctional devices are accessible. In this article, we have reviewed the latest developments of tungsten oxide-based nanostructured materials in various kinds of applications, and our focus falls on their energy-related uses, especially supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries, electrochromic devices, and their bifunctional and multifunctional devices. Additionally, other applications such as photochromic devices, sensors, and photocatalysts of tungsten oxide-based materials have also been mentioned. We hope this article can shed light on the related applications of tungsten oxide-based materials and inspire new possibilities for further uses.