Pomegranate-like Li3VO4/3D graphene networks nanocomposite as lithium ion battery anode with long cycle life and high-rate capability

Li3VO4 anchored 3D graphene networks (Li3VO4/3DGNs) nanocomposite was constructed via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The as-prepared Li3VO4/3DGNs nanocomposite exhibits a unique pomegranate-like structure where nanohole-dotted Li3VO4 nanoparticles resembling pomegranate seeds are firmly anchored and uniformly distributed on 3DGNs. Li3VO4/3DGNs composite presents excellent cycling and rate performance. The initial reversible capacity is 397 mAh g(-1) at 2 A g(-1) and remains at 259 mAh g(-1) even after 2500 cycles. In addition, under current densities of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 A g(-1), the composite delivers large capacities of 471, 404, 359, 318, 290, 247, 191 and 142 mAh g(-1), respectively. The excellent electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the enhanced electrical conductivity and structural stability as well as accelerated Li+ diffusion derived from both the 3D continuous conductive channels endowed robust 3DGNs and the nanohole-dotted Li3VO4 nanoparticles. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.