Synthesis and characterization of a new inverse spinel LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3VO4 for lithium-ion batteries

An electrochemically active LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3VO4 cathode material was synthesized by a citric acid:polyethylene glycol (CA:PEG) polymeric method, followed by calcination at 723 K for 5 h in air. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the complete formation of a crystalline phase occurred when heated at 723 K. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs showed the various stages of morphology for the polymeric intermediates of the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3VO4 compound. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging exposed that particle size ranged from ∼170 to 190 nm. The cells using LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3VO4 as a cathode could be cycled between 2.8 and 4.9 V (vs. Li) at a current rate of 0.15C. The galvanostatic cycling study suggests that cycle stability and capacity retention were enhanced for LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3VO4 prepared with a CA:PEG ratio of 3 : 1. The dQ/dV vs. voltage plots revealed the redox potentials and slower impedance growth for the synthesized LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3VO4 cathode material.