Grain size effects on dynamics of Li-ions in Li3V2(PO4)3 glass-ceramic nanocomposites

Abstract

Li3V2(PO4)3 glass-ceramic nanocomposites, based on 37.5Li2O-25V2O5-37.5P2O5 mol% glass, were successfully prepared via heat treatment (HT) process. The structure and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD patterns exhibit the formation of Li3V2(PO4)3 NASICON type with monoclinic structure. The grain sizes were found to be in the range 32–56 nm. The effect of grain size on the dynamics of Li+ ions in these glass-ceramic nanocomposites has been studied in the frequency range of 20 Hz–1 MHz and in the temperature range of 333–373 K and analyzed by using both the conductivity and modulus formalisms. The frequency exponent obtained from the power law decreases with the increase of temperature, suggesting a weaker correlation among the Li+ ions. Scaling of the conductivity spectra has also been performed in order to obtain insight into the relaxation mechanisms. The imaginary modulus spectra are broader than the Debye peak-width, but are asymmetric and distorted toward the high frequency region of the maxima. The electric modulus data have been fitted to the non-exponential Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts (KWW) function and the value of the stretched exponent β is fairly low, suggesting a higher ionic conductivity in the glass and its glass-ceramic nanocomposites. The advantages of these glass-ceramic nanocomposites as cathode materials in Li-ion batteries are shortened diffusion paths for Li+ ions/electrons and higher surface area of contact between cathode and electrolyte.