Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of β-LiVOPO4/C as Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Due to the high theoretical capacity, high platform voltage, stable structure, and mild conditions for synthesis, LiVOPO4 is expected to become the next generation of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, due to the relatively weak ionic conductivity, its commercial application has been largely limited. The paper reported that acetylene black was used as the reducing agent and the pure phase nanostructured orthorhombic beta-LiVOPO4 was obtained by carbothermal reduction method. A significant improvement in ionic conductivity was achieved, and the results were compared with previous studies, the initial discharge capacity of the material was considerably enhanced. The results show that the electrical conductivity and the initial discharge capacity of the material were also significantly improved. The sample obtained by holding at 600 degrees C for 10 h exhibited a maximum discharge capacity of 141.4 mAh g(-1) between 3 V and 4.5 V at 0.05 C, with a value of 136.3 mAh g(-1), retained after 50 cycles. This represents capacity retention of 96.39%.