Synthesis and electrochemical properties of submicron sized sheet-like LiV3O8 crystallites for lithium secondary batteries

Submicron sized sheet-like LiV3O8 cathode materials for lithium secondary batteries were synthesized via a simple processing, microwave hydrothermal improved low temperature solid-state reaction, with LiOH center dot H2O, NH4VO3 and PVP as raw materials. The LiV3O8 crystallites prepared without PVP consists of smaller particle size than that prepared with PVP, and it exhibits relatively better electrochemical performance. The LiV3O8 crystallites prepared without PVP delivers an initial discharge capacity of 282.2 mAh/g at a current density of 100 mA/g. After 20 cycles, the discharge capacity retains 228.4 mAh/g corresponded to 80.9% of the initial value. The small submicron sized sheet-like LiV3O8 crystallites are expected to shorten the Li+ ions diffusion path for its electrochemical properties. The good electrochemical properties of the as-synthesized LiV3O8 make them a promising candidate as a cathode material for lithium secondary batteries. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.