Vanadium oxide (V2O3) for energy storage applications through hydrothermal route

Abstract

V2O3 samples were successfully prepared using [VOSO4·xH2O] as the starting material by a template-free hydrothermal method with the addition of KBrO3. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The XRD result shows the rhombohedral structure for V2O3 with an average crystallite size in the range of 22 nm. With the increase in reaction time (6–8 h), the morphology of the samples changes from nano-flower to nano-ribbons as indicated by SEM micrographs. FTIR spectrum shows that the band at 1286 cm−1, related to C–OH stretching and OH bending vibrations and indicate the presence of residual hydroxyl groups. The electrochemical measurements show an excellent storage response, kinetics and reversibility of the electrode material. Further, good rate capability of the materials was also observed.