Role of carbon content in qualifying Li3V2(PO4)3/C as a high capacity anode for high rate lithium battery applications

Abstract

Nanocrystalline Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ has been prepared by the oxalic dihydrazide assisted combustion (ODHAC) method, and the corresponding Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C composites containing different concentrations of super P carbon, viz. 10, 20 and 30 wt% have been explored individually as anodes for lithium batteries. Among the chosen composites, Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C-20 exhibits superior electrochemical properties, thus recommending a carbon content of 20 wt% as an optimum amount required to improve the electrochemical properties significantly. An initial capacity of 500 mA h g⁻¹ and a progressive capacity of ∼400 mA h g⁻¹ up to 100 cycles have been delivered by a Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C-20 anode with an admissible capacity fade of 20%, especially when cycled at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹. The optimized Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C-20 composite thus demonstrates itself as a high capacity anode that is suitable for high rate applications by way of exhibiting appreciable capacity values of 450, 350, 302 and 220 mA h g⁻¹, under the influence of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mA g⁻¹ current density.