Ultrafast synthesis of Li 1 + αV 3O 8 gel precursors for lithium battery applications

Abstract

A versatile route has been developed to synthesize the Li 1 + α V 3O 8 gel precursor 50 times faster than the standard path without heating by using H 2O 2 and V 2O 5 and lithium salts as precursors. Upon heat treatment it leads to stoechiometric Li 1.1V 3O 8 with an electrochemical behavior similar to the one observed from the standard material. The role of the pH and the nature of the counter ion on the structural type and the morphology of the condensed Li 1 + α V 3O 8, nH 2O compound have been investigated. pH close to the zero charge point (≈ 2) lead to intercalated Li x V 2O 5, nH 2O type gels whereas at pH 4 condensation drives to hewettite like structures.