Controllable synthesis of FeVO4@TiO2 nanostructures as anode for lithium ion battery

Abstract

FeVO4@TiO2 nanocomposite was fabricated via a simple and cost-effective approach. The FeVO4 nanorods were synthesized by a hydrothermal method combined with calcination route without using any template and then coated with TiO2 through an annealing process of dihydroxybis titanium. The FeVO4 nanocomposite has a significantly enhanced electrochemical performance by coating with TiO2. The FeVO4@TiO2 delivered a specific capacity of 1147 mAh g−1, the discharge capacity remaining at 596 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles (at 200 mA g−1), which is higher than that of pure FeVO4. The discharge capacity of FeVO4@TiO2 could be as high as 337 mAh g−1 (at a high load current density of 10,000 mA g−1). Compared with pure FeVO4, FeVO4@TiO2 shows a better rate performance. The amorphous TiO2 coating on a layer of FeVO4 created efficient improved stability of the structure during the charge/discharge process. The excellent rate capability and cyclic stability of the sample proved that FeVO4@TiO2 could be used as a new anode for lithium ion battery application. The synthesis method can also be applied to synthesize other related materials with typical morphologies and properties.