OICC Press Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry 2193-8865 11 1 (March 2021) 2020 11 22 Nanoscale niobium oxides anode for electrochemical lithium and sodium storage: a review of recent improvements 10.1007/s40097-020-00367-5 EN Peixing Shen College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, CN Beibei Zhang School of Non-Commissioned Officer, Space Engineering University, Beijing, 102200, CN Yuan Wang School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, AU Xuemei Liu College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, CN Cuiyan Yu College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, CN Tao Xu College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, CN Sajjad S. Mofarah School of Materials Science and Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, AU Yanlong Yu College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, CN Yanguo Liu School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, CN Key Laboratory of Dielectric and Electrolyte Functional Material Hebei Province, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, CN Hongyu Sun School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, CN Hamidreza Arandiyan Laboratory of Advanced Catalysis for Sustainability, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, AU The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, AU Journal Article 2020 11 22 Abstract In recent years, Nb-based oxides, especially Nb 2 O 5 , due to their unique structural advantages, have stimulated scholars’ extensive research enthusiasm in the field of energy storage systems including lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium ion batteries (SIBs), excellent chemical stability and outstanding rate capability dominated by pseudocapacitive nature. In addition, Nb-based oxides usually have a higher operating voltage (> 1.0 V vs Li + /Li), which can effectively prevent the decomposition of organic electrolytes and the formation of solid electrolyte interface films in batteries. This review systematically summarizes the different crystal structures of Nb 2 O 5 and the lithium storage mechanism based on theoretical calculations, as well as the comparison of various synthesis strategies. In addition, the advanced research progress of niobium-based oxides as anode materials in LIBs and SIBs is summarized from the perspective of nanostructure control engineering that affects electrochemical performance. It also puts forward reasonable cognition and challenges for future research, which is conducive to the design of energy storage equipment that meets the needs of sustainable development. Graphic abstract The design and optimization of various synthesis methods facilitate the formation of a variety of heterogeneous nanostructures, leading to reversible storage of Li and Na ions.