Synthesis, structural and lithium storage studies of graphene-LiVSi2O6 composites

Abstract

Clinopyroxene LiVSi2O6 phase has been synthesised in this study by a single step solid state reaction in argon atmosphere at 900 °C, and its electrochemical properties have been investigated. Graphene composite of the material has also been prepared by assimilating GO (graphene oxide) to the reactants which gets reduced in situ to rGO (reduced graphene oxide) during the annealing process. Structure and morphology of the samples have been characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and surface area (BET) measurements. Lithium storage properties of the material were examined using galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies. The rGO composite shows better capacity retention than the pristine sample, and an initial discharge capacity of 110 mAh g−1 was obtained for the rGO composite.