Synthesis and electrochemical properties of LiVP2O7/C as novel cathode material for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Monoclinic LiVP2O7/C was successfully synthesized by the sol–gel method using citric acid as both the carbon source and reducing agent. The structure and morphology of the sample were investigated. TEM image showed that the surface of sample was covered with a thin carbon layer. Charge–discharge testing revealed that the LiVP2O7/C sample with carbon content of 6.63wt% prepared at 800°C exhibited the best initial discharge capacity of 102.3 mAh·g−1, 96.2% of which was retained after 50 cycles. The experimental results indicate that the sol–gel method and carbon coating not only provide a facile and practical approach, but are beneficial to the electrochemical properties of the LiVP2O7/C cathode material.