Synthesis of Li1+xV3O8 by citrate sol-gel route at low temperature

Li1+xV3O8 was synthesized by a citrate sol-gel route using lithium acetate and ammonium metavanadate as the starting reagents. This process avoided the appearance of intermediate V2O5 sol, and pure Li1+xV3O8 was obtained directly at low temperature. The effects of starting V/Li molar ratio on synthesis process are discussed in detail. The influence of pH value of the sol on the synthesis process and products was revealed by addition of NH3·H2O. The powders synthesized with different starting V/Li molar ratios were observed using scanning electron microscope, and their phases were analyzed using X-ray diffraction.