Layered iron orthovanadate microrods as cathode for lithium ion batteries with enhanced cycle performance

Iron orthovanadate microrods with layered structure have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The composition and structure of the microrods were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the microrods maintained high capacity when used as lithium ion battery cathode. As-obtained iron orthovanadate microrods electrode exhibits a stable and reversible capacity of over 250 mAh g−1 at 16 mA g−1 between 1.6 V and 4.7 V after 15 cycles. Detailed investigations reveal that the layered structure may reduce the lithium ion diffusion path and be helpful for stable capacity.

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► Iron orthovanadate nanorods with layered structure were fabricated.
► Layered structure lead to good electrochemical properties.
► Iron orthovanadate nanorods shows a first discharge capacity of 423 mAh g−1.
► After 15 cycles, a reversible capacity of 268 mAh g−1 was obtained.