Synthesis of carbon coated Li3V2(PO4)3/reduced graphene oxide composite for high-performance lithium ion batteries

The carbon coated Li3V2(PO4)3/reduced graphene oxide (LVP@C/rGO) composite is successfully synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction, which is easily scaled up. LVP grains coated with a thin layer (∼8 nm) of carbon are adhered to the surface of the rGO layer and/or enwrapped into the rGO sheets, which can facilitate the fast charge transfer within the whole electrode and to the current collector. As a cathode material, the LVP@C/rGO electrode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 177 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C with capacity retention of 96% during the 50th cycle in a wide voltage range of 3.0–4.8 V. A superior rate capability is also achieved, e.g., exhibiting a discharge capacity of 96 mAh g−1 at a high C rate of 10 C.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Carbon coated LVP nanoparticles strongly anchored on rGO surface are prepared. ► LVP@C/rGO exhibits high electrical conductivity. ► LVP@C/rGO shows excellent cycleability and rate capability between 3.0 and 4.8 V.