Hierarchical Cu4V2.15O9.38 micro-/nanostructures: a lithium intercalating electrode material

Abstract

Hierarchical Cu₄V_2.15O_9.38 micro-/nanostructures have been prepared by a facile “forced hydrolysis” method, from an aqueous peroxovanadate and cupric nitrate solution in the presence of urea. The hierarchical architectures with diameters of 10–20 µm are assembled from flexible nanosheets and rigid nanoplates with widths of 2–4 µm and lengths of 5–10 µm in a radiative way. The preliminary electrochemical properties of Cu₄V_2.15O_9.38 have been investigated for the first time and correlated with its structure. This material delivers a large discharge capacity of 471 mA h g⁻¹ above 1.5 V, thus making it an interesting electrode material for primary lithium ion batteries used in implantable cardioverter defibrillators.