Flexible and Self-Standing Urchinlike V₂O₃@Carbon Nanofibers toward Ultralong Cycle Lifespan Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this study, V2O3@carbon nanofibers as flexible anode materials were synthesized via electrospinning. The electrode showed a specific discharge capacity with 495 mA h g–1 at 1000 mA g–1 after 1000 cycles. Surprisingly, the electrode fabricated from the V2O3@carbon nanofibers exhibited a specific capacity of 336 mA h g–1 at 5000 mA g–1. Even after 10,000 cycles, it still displayed a specific discharge capacity of 290 mA h g–1, indicating that it has outstanding capacity advantages and long-cycle lifespan. The large specific surface area and abundant active sites of urchinlike V2O3 were considered as the reasons for its outstanding electrochemical performance. The combination of V2O3 and the carbon nanofibers formed a complete conductive network that enhanced the conductivity of the sample, reduced the diffusion path of Li+, and eased the volume change during intercalation/deintercalation of Li+. These results not only demonstrated that the flexible V2O3@carbon nanofibers prepared herein have broad application prospects as an anode for LIBs but also offer a processing strategy for fabricating other state-of-the-art flexible electrode materials for energy storage systems.