Li-driven electrochemical properties of WO3 nanorods

The Li-driven electrochemical properties of monoclinic WO3 nanorods, which are prepared by a solution-based colloidal approach, have been studied, and the relationship between the properties and the nanostructures of the material has been established. The electrochemical reactions towards lithium involved in WO3 nanorods were investigated by means of a galvanostatic method and an impedance technique, and superior characteristics associated with one-dimensional nanostructures were observed. WO3 nanorods with a high aspect ratio were found to yield an intercalation capacity up to 1.12 Li per formula unit, much higher than the value of 0.78 Li per formula unit for bulk WO3. This can be explained on the basis of the unique rod-like structure that effectively enhanced structure stability. The evolution of Li-driven reaction kinetics further illustrated benefits of WO3 nanorods owing to the increased edge and corner effects.