Nano-structured Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon composite for high-rate lithium-ion batteries

Nano-structured Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon composite (Li3V2(PO4)3/C) has been successfully prepared by incorporating the precursor solution into a highly mesoporous carbon with an expanded pore structure. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the structure of the composites. Li3V2(PO4)3 had particle sizes of < 50 nm and was well dispersed in the carbon matrix. When cycled within a voltage range of 3 to 4.3 V, a Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite delivered a reversible capacity of 122 mA h g− 1 at a 1C rate and maintained a specific discharge capacity of 83 mA h g− 1 at a 32C rate. These results demonstrate that cathodes made from a nano-structured Li3V2(PO4)3 and mesoporous carbon composite material have great potential for use in high-power Li-ion batteries.