A Li3V2(PO4)3/C thin film with high rate capability as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

A monoclinic lithium vanadium phosphate (Li3V2(PO4)3) and carbon composite thin film (LVP/C) is prepared via electrostatic spray deposition. The film is studied with X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and galvanostatic cell cycling. The LVP/C film is composed of carbon-coated Li3V2(PO4)3 nanoparticles (50 nm) that are well distributed in a carbon matrix. In the voltage range of 3.0–4.3 V, it exhibits a reversible capacity of 118 mA h g−1 and good capacity retention at the current rate of 1 C, while delivers 80 mA h g−1 at 24 C. These results suggest a practical strategy to develop new cathode materials for high power lithium-ion batteries.