Electrochemical properties of nanostructured Li1.2V3O8 in aqueous LiNO3 solution

The amorphous hydrated precursor of Li1.2V3O8 was synthesized by soft chemistry method, and then heat-treated in air at several temperatures within the range 200–400 °C. The heat-treatment changed its morphological, structural and charging/discharging performance. The product obtained upon the treatment at 300 °C, consisting of uniform, rod-shaped particles, 100–150 nm in diameter and 300–800 nm in length, displayed the best electrochemical performance in aqueous LiNO3 solution. Its initial discharge capacity amounted to 136.8 mAh g−1 at a rate of C/5, which upon 50 charging/discharging cycles decreased for only 12%.

► Li-ion insertion behavior of Li1.2V3O8 in aqueous LiNO3 solution was studied.
► Soft chemistry synthesis enabled improved electrochemical behavior.
► Initial discharge capacity amounted to 136.8 mAh g−1.
► Capacity fade at a C/5 rate did not exceed 12% after 50 cycles.