Enhanced lithium storage capability of Li3V2(PO4)3@C co-modified with graphene and Ce3+ doping as high-power cathode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

As a high-voltage cathode material, monoclinic Li3V2(PO4)3 has been proposed as the next-generation commercial electrode for lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, it remains a practical challenge to improve the poor electronic conductivity of Li3V2(PO4)3. Herein, we first design and fabricate the Li3V2(PO4)3@C (LVP@C) nanocrystals further modified by graphene and doped with Ce3+-ion via a facile sol-gel method. The Ce3+ doping can form a continuous conductive pathway in the electrode and thus improve the intrinsic electronic conductivity of Li3V2(PO4)3 material. Meanwhile, the residual carbon layer and graphene can also construct a conductive network, which is helpful to enhance the apparent conductivity of Li3V2(PO4)3. Therefore, the graphene and Ce3+ doping co-decorated LVP@C (G-LVCeP@C) composite exhibits better lithium storage capability than the LVP@C and Ce3+-doped LVP@C (LVCeP@C) materials. This novel design provides an effective strategy for the preparation of other electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.