Synthesis and performance of Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites as cathode materials

Carbon-coated Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries were prepared by a carbon-thermal reduction (CTR) method using sucrose as carbon source. The Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite cathode materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical measurement. The results show that the Li3V2(PO4)3 samples synthesized using sucrose as carbon source have the same monoclinic structure as the Li3V2(PO4)3 sample synthesized using acetylene black as carbon source. SEM image exhibits that the particle size is about 1 μm together with homogenous distribution. Electrochemical test shows that the initial discharge capacity of Li3V2(PO4)3 powders is 122 mAh·g−1 at the rate of 0.2C, and the capacity retains 111 mAh−g−1 after 50 cycles.