Effect of different treatment methods on the electrochemical properties of LiV3O8 at elevated temperatures

A lithium vanadium oxide cathode material was synthesized via sol-gel processing using citric acid as the chelating agent. The cathode powder was treated with two different processes. The composition, morphology and electrochemical performance of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, open circuit potential monitoring and galvanostatic discharge testing. Results show that the sample sintered at 450 °C has even micron-sized crystallites and its corresponding mixed electrode exhibits the best electrochemical performance. Although the impurity of the active material was changed by the adsorption, leading to sharp initial voltage spikes, the adsorbed electrodes show more potential as cathodes due to their stable discharge curve and comparable special capacity.