Much improved capacity and cycling performance of LiVMoO6 cathode for lithium ion batteries

Spherical LiVMoO6 nanocrystals as cathode for lithium ion batteries were synthesized using a solvothermal reaction method. Powder XRD data indicate that a single phase LiVMoO6 with brannerite-type structure is obtained at 550 °C by the thermal treatment of the precursor for 6 h. SEM image shows that the particles are composed of loosely stacked spheres with a uniform particle size about 40 nm. The electrode properties of LiVMoO6 have also been studied by galvanostatic cycling and ac impedance spectroscopy. LiVMoO6 nanospheres delivered 172 mAh g−1 capacity in the initial discharge process with a reversible capacity retention of 94.4% after 100 cycles in the range of 3.6-1.80 V versus metallic Li at a current density of 100 mA g−1. The microstructure developed in the electrodes give evidence that the particle size and morphological properties play an important role in the much improved capacity and cycling stability at large currents than ordinary samples.