Fabrication and characterization of plate-like Li3V2(PO4)3@C as cathode material for energy storage

Abstract

In this work, the plate-like Li3V2(PO4)3@C composite has been designed and fabricated by using a solution method followed by microwave heating route. The structure, morphology and electrochemical property of the synthesized Li3V2(PO4)3@C material are characterized through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and various electrochemical measurements. When used as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, the Li3V2(PO4)3@C electrode shows high reversible capacity, good rate capability and stable cycle-life in the voltage range of 3.0–4.8 V. It can deliver the specific capacity of 187.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and exhibit good cycling performance with a capacity retention of 89.6% over 200 cycles at 10 C. The outstanding electrochemical property of Li3V2(PO4)3@C cathode can be attributed to the nanosized Li3V2(PO4)3 plate and the improved electronic conductivity by carbon coating.