Combustion synthesized nanocrystalline Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Nanocrystalline Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C composite synthesized using a novel corn assisted combustion method at 850 °C exhibits superior physical and electrochemical properties than the one synthesized at 800 °C. Despite the charge disproportionation of V 4+ and a possible solid solution behavior of Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 cathode upon insertion and extraction of Li + ions, the structural stability of the same is appreciable, even with the extraction of third lithium at 4.6 V. An appreciable specific capacity of 174 mAh g −1 and better capacity retention upon high rate applications have been exhibited by Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C cathode, thus demonstrating the suitability of the same for lithium-ion battery applications.