Seed-induced synthesis of flower-like a Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon composite and its application in lithium-ion batteries

Uniform, flower-like Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites were successfully synthesized using a novel, seed-induced method and were then directly applied as a cathode in lithium-ion batteries. The morphology, structure and electrochemical properties of these novel composites were examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The uniform, flower-like Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites were produced on stainless steel and titanium foil substrates, but the morphology of the flowers depended on the type of substrate and the method of immersion. The Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites grown on the stainless-steel substrate exhibited the best electrochemical performance with a specific capacity of 115 mAh g−1 at the 15 C rate and a capacity retention of 94% after 500 cycles. This remarkable electrochemical performance was attributed to the formation of the perfect flower-like structure and abundance of pores in the composite. The seed-induced method proved to be a promising approach for preparing electrode materials for use in lithium ion batteries.