Microwave-assisted preparation of Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite with high-rate capacity

A fast sol–gel assisted microwave heating approach has been developed for the synthesis of high-rate Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode material. This approach can synthesize Li3V2(PO4)3/C particles with high purity and good crystallinity in 12 min at a low microwave power of 320 W. In the voltage range of 3.0–4.3 V, the obtained Li3V2(PO4)3/C delivers a reversible discharge capacity of 100 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 20 °C, exhibiting excellent rate capability and cycling performance. The rate-recovery performance also suggests that the Li3V2(PO4)3/C material possesses excellent structure stability after high-rate cycles, presenting excellent application value in high-power lithium ion batteries.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► High-rate Li3V2(PO4)3/C is firstly reported via a microwave-assisted method. ► The reduced particle size is responsible for the improved high-rate performance. ► A discharge capacity of 100 mAh g−1 is obtained at 20 C charge–discharge rate.