Nanosized VC synthesized by disproportionation reaction in molten salts as a promising anode for lithium/sodium-ion batteries

Abstract Nanosized VC with an average particle size of ∼40 nm was synthesized by disproportionation of V(IV) ions on acetylene black template in molten (Na,K)Cl at 950 °C holding for 5 h. The as-synthesized VC has exhibited desirable electrochemical performances as an anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), delivered a reversible discharge capacity of 597.8 mAh•g−1 at 0.1 A•g−1 and ∼397.8 mAh•g−1 at 0.5 A•g−1 in 200 consecutive cycles. It is noteworthy that nanosized VC also displayed impressive charge-discharge capacities in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), released ∼252.5 mAh•g−1 at 0.1 A•g−1. This work provides a new insight into the preparation of high-performance carbide ceramics as anodes in metal-ion batteries.