Transition metal vanadates electrodes in lithium-ion batteries: A holistic review

Abstract

Transition metal vanadates (TMVs) (TM= Co, Zn, Ni, Cu, Mn, Fe, etc) have displayed outstanding electrochemical performances in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with intriguingly rich crystal structures, redox reactions and phase transitions. In nature, the ample valence of transition metal endows impressive chemical and structural multiplicity for mixed-component oxides, demonstrated here by TMVs. Given that there are few reviews on TMVs for LIBs, we aim to exhaustively summarize cutting-edge breakthroughs on structures, fabrications, performances and mechanisms of TMVs in LIBs in the past twenty years, with remarks and outlooks on the future explorations. Specifically, here we provide holistic synthesis guidelines for nanoscale vanadates, which can accelerate rational design of novel TMVs bypassing pitfalls. Mechanistic insights enlightened by defects of existed work are also discussed for better illuminating the complicated materials transformation correlated to electrochemistry in the future. Utilizing the LIBs as paradigms to accumulate knowledge in all aspects, TMVs as a broad family can be promoted to other rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors and electrocatalysis readily.