High electrode performance of hydrothermally developed activated C coated O3–NaFeO2 electrode for Na-ion batteries applications

Owing to increase in cost and low availability of Li source causes the high rate of the energy storage devices. By focusing on these issues, the cost effective and high performed electrode is needed for energy storage application. Na based electrodes can replace the Li ion batteries because of the availability of Na is higher than the Li. The cost of the energy storage devices can be reduced by using Na instead of Li. Many other electrodes are reported based on Na ion batteries. Since in this present work we prepared O3–NaFeO₂ (NIO) high performance electrode prepared by two step hydrothermal assisted solid-state method. But the battery performance of NaFeO2 is suffers from capacity decay during long term cycling. For these issues naturally derived sucrose from the sugarcane is prepared which increase the electrochemical performance of Ac carbon coated NaFeO₂ (AC Coated NIO). The AC Coated NIO electrode delivers the capacity of about 131 mAh g^?1 at 80 mA g^?1. The retention capacity of material is about 92% after 100 cycles. Such electrochemical action of the current electrode can show the way to cost effective and highly performed Na ion electrode development for Energy storage devices.     

Mn/Co oxide on Ni foam as a bifunctional catalyst for Li–air cells

Binary Mn/Co oxide sheets with spherical flower-like hierarchical structure are grown directly on the surface of a Ni foam skeleton as a cathode for Li–O₂ batteries using a hydrothermal method. This integrated cathode architecture eliminates the negative effects of a conductive carbon additive and binder on the electrochemical performance of Li–O₂ batteries and minimizes the processing steps in fabrication of cathodes for Li–O₂ batteries. The porous Ni foam acts as a scaffold and current collector, and the highly hierarchical porous flower-like structure of the binary Mn/Co oxide sheet acts as a highly active catalyst. Together, they facilitate effective diffusion of oxygen gas as well as rapid ion and electron conduction during electrochemical reactions. When assembled in Li–O₂ cells, the prepared catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activities, including the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions. In particular, the Li–O₂ cell using the cathode delivers an extremely high specific discharge capacity of 9690 mAh g^-1 under a applied specific current of 200 mA g^-1 and operate successfully in a long lifespan of 66 cycles even under a high specific current of 600 mA g^-1 and a limited discharge-charge capacity mode of 1000 mAh g^-1. The simultaneous effect of the fast electron transport kinetics provided by the free-standing structure and the high catalytic activity of the binary Mn/Co oxide show promise for use in air electrodes for Li–O₂ batteries.     

Nanowires embedded porous TiO2@C nanocomposite anodes for enhanced stable lithium and sodium ion battery performance

A porous carbon nanocomposite with embedded TiO₂ nanowires (NWs) was synthesized using a two-step synthetic method in which carbon matrix was obtained by carbonizing a vacuum dried gel. This unique structure in which TiO₂ nanowires uniformly distributed in and tightly bonded to the carbon matrix shortened the electron transport path and reduced the transmission resistance. Nanoporous structure ensured continuous transfer of Li⁺/Na⁺ and supplied a large specific surface area of 280.82 m² g⁻¹ to provide more active sites. Different from other existing works on TiO₂@C anode materials with TiO₂ loading higher than 60 wt%, the obtained very small amount of TiO₂ (~12 wt%) improved the electrochemical and long-cycle performance of carbon substrate with TiO₂ NWs embedded significantly, due to uniformly distributed TiO₂ NWs throughout the carbon matrix. These TiO₂@C composite anodes could deliver a specific capacity of 286 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.3 C, 197 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.15 C for lithium and sodium ion batteries, respectively. It maintained remarkably stable reversible capacities of 128 and 125 mA h g⁻¹ for lithium and sodium ion batteries at 3 C during 2500 cycles, respectively. Smaller fluctuations and smoother curves demonstrated that sodium ion storage was more stable than lithium ion storage for the TiO₂@C composite anode. In addition, the capacitive contributions of TiO₂@C in both systems are quantified by kinetics analysis.     

Reduced graphene oxide coated Fe-soc as a cathode material for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

To solve the problem of the rapid decrease in capacity caused by poor conductivity, polysulfide shuttling, and the volume expansion associated with the reaction process, we attempt to use metal-organic framework (MOF) Fe-soc coated with reduced graphene oxide through electrostatic adsorption as a sulfur carrier material for lithium sulfur batteries. The research results show that S/Fe-soc@rGO has a high initial discharge specific capacity of 1634.3 mA h g⁻¹ with a stable specific capacity retention rate of 865.3 mA h g⁻¹ after 80 cycles and displays enhanced rate performance with high discharge specific capacities of 638.8 and 334.3 mA h g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 0.5 and 1 C, respectively. Fe-soc has unsaturated metal sites can adsorb sulfur and polysulfide, effectively bind polysulfide, symmetrical stable structure is conducive to speed up the electron and ion transmission efficiency while buffering the volume expansion during charge and discharge. In addition, reduced graphene oxide as a coating layer can better assist Fe-soc to increase the utilization rate of sulfur, and improve the conductivity of the cathode material, thereby improving the cycle performance and rate performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. This article is also expected to stimulate the application of MOF derivatives in energy storage materials.     

Investigation the sodium storage kinetics of H1.07Ti1.73O4@rGO composites for high rate and long cycle performance

Insertion type material has been attracted plenty of attentions as the anode of sodium ion batteries (SIBs) due to the low volume change induced long cycle stability. H_1.07Ti_1.73O₄ (HTO), a two-dimensional layered material, is a new insertion type anode material for SIBs reported in this study. Layered HTO composites were decorated with rGO nanosheets via an electrostatic assembly method followed by hydrothermal treatment. When adapted as the anode material of SIBs, HTO@rGO composite exhibits an enhanced sodium ion storage behavior, including high rate capability and long cycle stability. It can deliver high capacities of 142.8 and 66.7 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 and 10 000 mA g⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, it can keep a capacity of 75.1 mA h g⁻¹ at 5 A g⁻¹ after even 5000 cycles, corresponding to a high capacity retention of 70.8% (0.0058% capacity decay per cycle). HTO exhibits a small volume expansion of 19.6% by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (in-situ TEM). The diffusion coefficient of sodium ions is increased from 1.77 × 10⁻¹⁴ cm² s⁻¹ in HTO composites to 4.80 × 10⁻¹⁴ cm² s⁻¹ in HTO@rGO composites. Our designed and synthesized HTO@rGO provides a new route for high rate and long cycle stable SIBs anode materials.     

Porous polythiophene as a cathode material for lithium batteries with high capacity and good cycling stability

Polythiophene (PTh) has been synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization and used as an active cathode material in lithium batteries. The lithium batteries are characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies (EIS). The lithium battery with the PTh cathode exhibits a discharge voltage of 3.7 V compared to Li⁺/Li and excellent electrochemical performance. PTh can provide large discharge capacities above 50 mA h g⁻¹ and good cycle stability at a high current density 900 mA g⁻¹. After 500 cycles, the discharge capacity is maintained at 50.6 mA h g⁻¹. PTh is a promising candidate for high-voltage power sources with excellent electrochemical performance.     

Tin antimony oxide @graphene as a novel anode material for lithium ion batteries

Bimetal oxides have attracted much attention due to their unique characteristics caused by the synergistic effect of bimetallic elements, such as adjustable operating voltage and improved electronic conductivity. Here, a novel bimetal oxide Sn_0.918Sb_0.109O₂@graphene (TAO@G) was synthesized via hydrothermal method, and applied as anode material for lithium ion batteries. Compared with SnO₂, the addition of Sb to form a bimetallic oxide Sn_0.918Sb_0.109O₂ can shorten the band gap width, which is proved by DFT calculation. The narrower band gap width can speed up the lithium ions transport and improve the electrochemical performances of TAO@G. TAO@G is a structure in which graphene supports nano-sized TAO particles, and it is conducive to the electrons transport and can improve its electrochemical performances. TAO@G achieved a high initial reversible discharge specific capacity of 1176.3 mA h g^?1 at 0.1 A g^?1 and a good capacity of 648.1 mA h g^?1 at 0.5 A g^?1 after 365 cycles. Results confirm that TAO@G is a novel prospective anode material for LIBs.     

Rice husk-derived SiOx@carbon nanocomposites as a high-performance bifunctional electrode for rechargeable batteries

This paper we use ZnCl₂ to activates and reduces rice husks to produce SiO_x@N-doped carbon core-shell nanocomposites with inner voids is a facile and effective strategy to improve the electrochemical performance. As an anode material for the lithium-ion batteries, the composites exhibit a high reversible capacity (1315 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹) and long-term stability (584 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at 500 mA g⁻¹). Such outstanding cycling stability is attributed to the small size of the SiO_x particles with inner voids and the carbon layer coating can guarantee good structural integrity for long cycle stability. As a cathode material for Li–S batteries, the composite displays a high capacity and good stability (675 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 0.1C). Its good performance and facile preparation will improve the utilization of rice husk waste.     

Flower-like hierarchical Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 by architectural design for lithium-ion batteries with superior capacity retention

In this work, hierarchical flower-like Li_1.2Ni_0.13Co_0.13Mn_0.54O₂ (LNCM) with exposed {010} planes assembled and double-sphere Li_1.2Ni_0.13Co_0.13Mn_0.54O₂ without {010} planes as a comparison were successfully synthesized via a simple solvothermal method. The diffusion of Li⁺ could be enhanced in the flower-like LNCM with exposed {010} active planes, and the cathode exhibits a superior electrochemical performance especially in long-term cycling stability even at high current densities. The initial discharge capacity of this sample is 274 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1C (25 mA g⁻¹), with corresponding initial coulombic efficiencies of 77%. Especially, the capacity retention reaches up to 98% at 1250 mA g⁻¹ current density after 100 cycles. By comparing with other LNCM materials reported recently, our optimal cathode has a pretty outstanding electrochemical performance, which is promising for the next generation lithium ion batteries.     

Preparation and optimization of ZrO2 modified P2-type Na2/3Ni1/6Co1/6Mn2/3O2 with enhanced electrochemical performance as cathode for sodium ion batteries

Surface stabilization is necessary for cathode materials to gain a long-term cycling stability because of unfavorable side reactions and exfoliation caused by corrosive environment. To improve the cyclic stability of P2-type ternary cathode Na_2/3Ni_1/6Co_1/6Mn_2/3O₂ for sodium ion batteries, we prepare a ZrO₂-coated Na_2/3Ni_1/6Co_1/6Mn_2/3O₂ through a simple wet chemical method. The coating layer is distributed homogeneously on the surface, and the fraction of ZrO₂ (1 wt-%, 2 wt-%, 3 wt-%, 4 wt-%, 5 wt-%) helps control the thickness of the coating layer. It turns out that all the materials exhibit pure P2 structure without any impurities. The material with a 2 wt-% ZrO₂ coating exhibits the best electrochemical performance in rate capability and long-term cyclic stability. It delivers a superior initial discharge capacity of 140 mA h·g⁻¹ between 2 and 4.5 V at 20 mA g⁻¹. Even cycles at high current density (100 mA g⁻¹), it shows 106 mA h·g⁻¹ reversible discharge capacity with 88% capacity retention after 300 cycles. The improvement in electrochemical performance is attributed to the segregation of cathode materials from the corrosive electrolyte by the nano-sized ZrO₂ layer. The EIS results confirm that a thin ZrO₂ coating layer can effectively protect the electrode from dissolution and stabilize the SEI film. This study can be used to develop the electrochemical performance of cathode materials for sodium ion batteries by surface modification via ZrO₂.     

Facile synthesis of porous hollow Co3O4 microfibers derived-from metal-organic frameworks as an advanced anode for lithium ion batteries

Co₃O₄, as a promising anode material for the next generation lithium ion batteries to replace graphite, displays high theoretical capacity (890 mAh g⁻¹) and excellent electrochemical properties. However, the drawbacks of its poor cycle performance caused by large volume changes during charge-discharge process and low initial coulombic efficiency due to large irreversible reaction impede its practical application. Herein, we have developed a porous hollow Co₃O₄ microfiber with 500 nm diameter and 60 nm wall thickness synthesized via a facile chemical precipitation method with subsequent thermal decomposition. As an advanced anode for lithium ion batteries, the porous hollow Co₃O₄ microfibers deliver an obviously enhanced electrochemical property in terms of lithium storage capacity (1177.4 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹), initial coulombic efficiency (82.9%) and cycle performance (76.6% capacity retention at 200th cycle). This enhancement could be attributed to the well-designed microstructure of porous hollow Co₃O₄ microfibers, which could increase the contact surface area between electrolyte and active materials and accommodate the volume variations via additional void space during cycling.     

High lithium storage of Co3O4 enabled by integrating hollow and porous carbon scaffolds

The Co₃O₄, as a potential anode of lithium-ion batteries, has gained considerable attention because of high theoretical capacity. However, the Co₃O₄ is suffering from serious structure deterioration and rapid capacity fading due to its bulky volume change during cyclic charge/discharge process. Herein, to stabilize the lithium storage performance of the Co₃O₄ nanoparticles, a characteristic carbon scaffold (HPC) integrating hollow and porous structures has been fabricated by a well-designed method for the first time. The ultrafine Co₃O₄ nanoparticles are cleverly anchored on the HPC (HPC@Co₃O₄) and hence achieve significantly improved electrochemical properties including high capacity, improved reaction kinetics and outstanding cycle stability, showing high capacity of 1084.7 mAh g^-1 after 200 cycles at 200 mA g^-1 as well as 681.4 mAh g^-1 after 300 cycles at 1000 mA g^-1. The HPC@Co₃O₄ therefore shows good promising for application in advanced lithium-ion battery anodes. The results of the systematically material and electrochemical characterizations indicate that the synergistic effects of ultrafine Co₃O₄ nanoparticles and well-designed HPC scaffolds are responsible for the outstand performance of the HPC@Co₃O₄ anode. Moreover, this work can enrich the understanding and development of stable and high-performance metal oxide-based lithium-ion battery anodes for advanced lithium storage.     

Piezoelectric-driven self-accelerated anion migration for SiOX-C/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 with durable lithium storage performance

Silicon oxides (SiO_X) based materials with great specific capacity and suitable working potential have caused widespread concern. During alloying process, the volume expansion of SiO_X is approximately 200%, which limits its practical application for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). For the purpose of surmounting the shortcomings of large volume change, a lot of efforts have been made, such as regulating the structure and morphology of active materials, incorporating with other conductive materials, and matching the suitable battery systems. However, to date, the volume expansion of SiO_X anode in the cycle process cannot be absolutely avoided due to its intrinsic characteristics. In this work, these seeming drawback is creatively exploited to increase the electrochemical performance of SiO_X materials. PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃ (PZT) is taken advantage as functional addition agent, which is based on piezoelectric effect elicited by volume expansion of SiO_X. Specifically, the large volume change of SiO_X-C could be transmitted to PZT particles, thus resulting in a polarization process. Then the piezoelectric potential is generated, so as to promote Li ⁺ mobility. SiO_X-C/PZT was synthesized via a sol-gel method and high energy ball-milling procedure. Accordingly, SiO_X-C/PZT anode exhibits excellent the superior cycling capability, it retains 570 mA h g^-1 after 200 cycles at 400 mA g^-1. Besides, it also has stable long-cycling life (430 mA h g^-1 after 500 cycles at 500 mA g^-1 with a retention of 75%). The relevant results demonstrate that PZT piezoelectric material can favorably increase the electrochemical property of SiO_X anode materials.     

Hybrid cathode composed of pyrite-structure CoS2 hollow polyhedron and Ketjen black@sulfur materials propelling polysulfide conversion in lithium sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered to have great prospects in advanced energy storage devices in the future and have been considered in recent years. However, the shuttling of Li-polysulfides in electrolytes and sluggish electrochemical kinetics of polysulfides hinder the development of Li–S batteries. To address these stumbling blocks, we introduced pyrite-structure CoS₂ hollow polyhedron modification of Ketjen black@sulfur (CoS₂/KB@S) composite that adsorbs and provides sufficient sites with Li-polysulfides interaction. The CoS₂ hollow polyhedron has a pivotal effect on the adsorption and catalysis performance of the polysulfides, which further accelerates the redox kinetics. Consequently, the CoS₂/KB@S cathode with 3.1 mg cm⁻² sulfur loading attained a high discharge capacity of 0.5 C current density and reversible capacity was 437 mA h g⁻¹ after 500 cycles, which displayed great stability and the capacity attenuation rate of per cycle was only 0.1%. Meanwhile, it also shows excellent rate capabilities and still maintains a high capacity of 527 mA h g⁻¹ at 2 C current density. Even at high sulfur loading of 5.1 mg cm⁻², the CoS₂/KB@S electrode still delivers a high initial area capacity of 4.36 mA h cm⁻² at 0.3 C with capacity retention capacity of 3.63 mA h cm⁻² after 100 cycles. The cyclic and rate properties of CoS₂/KB@S were greatly improved over that of KB@S. The results suggest the multifunction pyrite-structure CoS₂ hollow polyhedron that anchors effectively and catalysis is beneficial to realize the goal of large-scale application for Li–S batteries.     

Electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12 anode materials synthesized using a spray-drying method

In this study, spinel lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, LTO) anode materials were synthesized from two titanium sources (P25 TiO₂, 100% anatase TiO₂) using a spray-drying method and subsequent calcination at various temperatures. The electrochemical performance of both a Li/LTO half cell and a LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄/LTO (LNMO/LTO) full cell were investigated. The electrochemical performance of the LTO material prepared from P25 TiO₂ was superior to that of the LTO prepared from 100% anatase TiO₂. After modification of LTO material with AlPO₄, the LTO coated with 2 wt% of AlPO₄ (denoted “2%AlPO₄-LTO”) provided the best performances. The specific (delithiation) capacities of the 2%AlPO₄-LTO anode material was 189.7 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1C/0.1C, 184.5 mA h g⁻¹ at 1C/1C, 178.8 mA h g⁻¹ at 5C/5C, and 173.1 mA h g⁻¹ at 10C/10C. From long-term cycling stability tests, the specific capacity at the first cycle and the capacity retention after cycling were 185.5 mA h g⁻¹ and 98.06%, respectively, after 200 cycles at 1C/1C and 182.1 mA h g⁻¹ and 99.18%, respectively, after 100 cycles at 1C/10C. For the LNMO/2%AlPO₄-LTO full cell, the average specific capacity (delithiation) and coulombic efficiency after the first five cycles were 164.8 mA h g⁻¹ and 93.30%, respectively, at 0.1C/0.1C. The specific capacities at higher C-rates were 156.1 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2C/0.2C, 135.7 mA h g⁻¹ at 1C/1C, 97.5 mA h g⁻¹ at 3C/3C, and 46.5 mA h g⁻¹ at 5C/5C. After twenty-five cycles, the C-rate returned to 1C/1C and the specific capacity, coulombic efficiency, and capacity retention were maintained at 134.1 mA h g⁻¹, 99.17%, and 98.82%, respectively.     

In-situ growth flower-like binder-free 3D CuO/Cu2O-CTAB with tunable interlayer spacing for high performance lithium storage

Copper-based oxides are attractive anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their abundant resources, low cost, non-toxic and high capacity. However, copper-based oxides will produce a huge volume change during lithiation/delithiation, and the structural strain caused by periodic volume changes may cause the exfoliation of active materials. Herein, a flower-like binder-free three-dimensional (3D) CuO/Cu₂O-CTAB was prepared by introducing CTAB, which homogeneously grew in situ on a copper mesh framework. The binder-free 3D sample guarantees direct contact between the active material and the copper mesh, maintaining the structure stability. The flower-like CuO/Cu₂O-CTAB with a small size reveals larger active interfaces and provides more active sites. The introduction of CTAB enlarges the interlayer spacing of CuO/Cu₂O, increases the active sites for lithium storage, and adapts to the volume change of the material during lithiation/delithiation. In addition, the expanded interlayer structure helps decrease the ion diffusion energy barrier for accelerating electrochemical reaction kinetics. Therefore, CuO/Cu₂O-CTAB exhibits better lithium storage performance (2.9 mAh cm^?2 at 0.5 mA cm^?2) than bare CuO/Cu₂O (1.8 mAh cm^?2 at 0.5 mA cm^?2).     

Preparation and electrochemical performance of micro-nanostructured nickel

Micro-nanostructured nickel has been prepared as anode materials for Li ion batteries, via a rheological phase reaction method. Ni₂C₂O₄·xH₂O (x = 2 or 2.5) as precursors are obtained from the solid–liquid rheological mixture of (NH4)₂C₂O₄·H₂O and Ni(NO₃)₂. The nickel powders are prepared by thermal decomposition of the precursors. The structural, morphological and electrochemical performance are investigated by means of thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and typical electrochemical tests. The micro-nanostructured nickel displays an initial discharge capacity of 457 mAh g⁻¹. It also has a remarkable cycling stability with an average capacity fade of 0.17% per cycle from 13th to 50th cycle in 0.01–3.00 V versus Li at a constant current density of 100 mA g⁻¹.     

One-step synthesis of Li-doped NiO as high-performance anode material for lithium ion batteries

The poor electronic conductivity and huge volume expansion of NiO are the vital barriers when used as anode for lithium ion batteries. In order to solve above issues, Li-doped NiO are prepared by a facile one-step ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The effects of Li doping on the morphology, structure and chemical composition of the Li-doped NiO powders are extensively studied. When used as lithium ion batteries anode, it is demonstrated that the doping of Li has significant positive effect on improving the electrochemical performance. After 100 cycles at 400 mA g⁻¹, The Li-doped NiO samples deliver a discharge capacity of 907 mAh g⁻¹, much more than that of un-doped sample (736 mAh g⁻¹). The improved electrochemical performances can be ascribed to the improved p-type conductivity and lower impedance, which are confirmed by Rietveld refinement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron impedance spectroscopy.     

Electrospinning-derived ZnCo2O4@carbon nanofiber composite for high-performance lithium ion storage

The degradation of the cobalt-zinc oxide structure and its poor conductivity during the charge and discharge limit their further applications for lithium ion storage. Herein, ZnCo₂O₄@carbon nanofiber composite with nano-fibrous structure is obtained by electrospinning, annealing in argon and low-temperature oxidation to effectively overcome the above issue. The active sites of ZnCo₂O₄ are evenly dispersed inside the carbon nanofibers, which can effectively avoid its aggregation and improve electrical conductivity. Additionally, the stable nanofibrous structure can maintain structural stability. The composite exhibits superior lithium ion storage capacity when being served as anode electrode. The ZnCo₂O₄@carbon nanofiber electrode possesses a high capacity of 1071 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹. Besides, the electrode shows an outstanding rate capability of 505 mA h g⁻¹ at 3 A g⁻¹ and maintain 714 mA h g⁻¹ after 250 cycles when current density is adjusted to 0.2 A g⁻¹ again. Additionally, the electrode has an outstanding long-cycle performance, which remains a capacity of 447.165 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ after 500 cycles and 421.477 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ after 518 cycles. This result demonstrates that ZnCo₂O₄@carbon nanofiber composite has potential application prospects in the fields of advanced energy storage.     

Hierarchical nanoarchitecture of vanadium disulfide decorated 3D porous carbon skeleton with improved electrochemical performance toward Li ion battery and supercapacitor

Vanadium disulfide (VS₂) is deemed to be a competitive active material in electrochemical energy storage field in both lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor owing to its unique chemical and physical property. Nevertheless, serious aggregation and structure damage in continuous charge-discharges would result in a decreased capacity, an inferior cycling stability and a poor rate capability, which severly limits the practical application of VS₂. In this current work, a hierarchical porous nanostructured composite composed of VS₂ nanoparticles confined in gelatin-derived nitrogen-doped carbon network (VS₂-NC) was successfully designed and synthesized via a simple freeze drying plus an annealing method. In this VS₂-NC composite, porous architecture is conductive to providing high active surface areas, facilitating the access of electrolyte into active materials and ion diffusion. The confinement of carbon matrix on VS₂ nanoparticles is beneficial to inhibition of the volume change, reinforcement of the structural stability and improvement of the overall electrical conductivity of composite. Benefitting from the advantages mentioned above, the as-prepared VS₂-NC electrode demonstrates outstanding electrochemical performances. Employed as an anode for lithium ion battery, VS₂-NC delivers a relatively high reversible capacity about ～1061 mA h g^?1 in 200-cycle test at 100 mA g^?1. When applied in supercapacitor, VS₂-NC electrode manifests a large pseudocapacitance of 407.3 F g^?1 at a current density of 10 A g^?1 and superior cycling stability.