Hollow spheres constructed from CeVO4 nanoparticles for enhanced lithium storage performance

In this paper, CeVO4 micro/nano hollow spheres (CVO-HS) composed of closely packed nanoparticles are prepared via a facile critic acid-assisted hydrothermal method. The crystalline phase, composition, structure and morphology of the obtained samples are characterized by several techniques. The formation mechanism of the final hollow structure with an inside-out Ostwald ripening process is also suggested. When tested as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at a current density of 0.1 A g(-1) in 0.01-3.0 V, a stable discharge capacity of 367.4 mAh g(-1) is achieved after 100 cycles, while only 187 mAh g(-1) for CeVO4 nanoparticles (CVONP). The excellent electrochemical performances of CVO-HS are mainly ascribed to the short distance in the nanoparticle subunits for lithium ions/electron diffusions and the inner hollow space for buffering the volume change. Hence, the CVO-HS might be considered as a good host material for next LIBs.