Synthesis and lithium intercalation properties of Li3VO4 as a new anode material for secondary lithium batteries

Lithium intercalation properties of Li3VO4 are investigated for a possible application as a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries. A single phase Li3VO4 powders are successfully synthesized in an oxygen atmosphere by a two-step heating process and solution-based method. A structure with corner-shared VO4 and LiO4 tetrahedrons can reversibly intercalate lithium ions and exhibits a stable frame structure after cycling. The average discharge potential is lower than Li4Ti5O12. While the sample obtained from the solid-state reaction shows initial instability and stabilizes by the continuous cycling, the sample synthesized by precipitation exhibits excellent cyclability. 190 mAh g−1 of charge capacity is observed after 100th cycle at 1.0 C-rate.

► Li3VO4 exhibits charge capacity of 190 mAh g−1after 100th cycle. ► Average potential of Li3VO4 is lower than that of Li4Ti5O2. ► Li3VO4synthesized by solution-based method shows an excellent cyclability.