Niobium pentoxide (Nb 2 O 5 ) is an interesting material with applications in Li battery and hybrid capacitor electrodes. The main limitation of this material is its low electronic conductivity. In this study, H 2 treatment is introduced to address this issue. Self-ordered Nb 2 O 5 films were prepared by anodizing Nb foils and subsequently treating them in a H 2 atmosphere. Electron microscopy revealed that the Nb 2 O 5 film had a hierarchical porous microstructure consisting of macropores and mesopores. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the crystal structure could be changed by the H 2 treatment compared to the air treatment. Oxygen deficiencies in the Nb 2 O 5 film were induced by the treatment, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mott− Schottky analysis was performed and indicated that the electronic conductivity of the material was significantly improved by the oxygen deficiencies. Thus, the electrochemical Li storage kinetics in porous Nb 2 O 5 films can be greatly enhanced by H 2 treatment.
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