Enhancing the Rate Performance of a Li3VO4 Anode through Cu Doping

Abstract

AbstractLi3VO4 (LVO), as an emerging anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), offers distinct advantages because of its high theoretical specific capacity (590 mAh g−1), high ionic conductivity, and small volume change during lithiation/delithiation. However, the low electronic conductivity of LVO severely limits its viable application in LIBs. In this work, we doped LVO with Cu2+ ions through a simple solution reaction method, aiming to improve its electronic conductivity and electrochemical performances as a LIB anode. Among various dopant concentrations, LVO doped with 10 % Cu (LVO‐0.10Cu) showed the highest Li‐ion diffusion coefficient (2.79×10−14 cm2 s−1) and specific surface area (16.1 m2 g−1), as well as lowest charge‐transfer resistance. High reversible capacities of 440, 420, 379, and 335 mAh g−1 were achieved at current densities of 1, 2, 4, and 8 A g−1, respectively. In particular, the capacity of LVO‐0.10Cu at 8 A g−1 was twice as high as that of pristine LVO (335 vs. 168 mAh g−1). The significantly enhanced electrochemical performance of Cu‐doped LVO can be attributed to lattice expansion and improved electronic conductivity afforded by Cu‐doping.