Nano-structured GeNb18O47 as novel anode host with superior lithium storage performance

Highlights: • GeNb₁₈O₄₇ nanowires are prepared by electrospinning method for the first time. • GeNb₁₈O₄₇ nanowires exhibit shorter diffusion pathways for lithium ions. • Impressive capacity of 216.9 mAh g⁻¹ can be achieved for GeNb₁₈O₄₇ nanowires. Nanostructures always have an advantage in electrochemical research. In this work, the GeNb₁₈O₄₇ nanowires are synthesized by an easy electrospinning method for the first time. We study morphologies and electrochemical properties of as-obtained GeNb₁₈O₄₇ nanowires via the X-ray diffraction, charge/discharge curve, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. As expected, GeNb₁₈O₄₇ nanowires exhibit impressive charge capacity of 216.9 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ and high-capacity retention of 93.6% after 200 cycles. Electrochemical analyses show that GeNb₁₈O₄₇ nanowires exhibit the lower redox polarization, smaller charge transfer resistance and higher Li⁺ diffusion coefficient compared with sol-gel formed bulk sample. Therefore, the GeNb₁₈O₄₇ nanowire is a promising active electrode material for the lithium batteries.