Ultralong H2V3O8 nanowire bundles as a promising cathode for lithium batteries

Abstract

Ultralong H₂V₃O₈ nanowire bundles with length up to hundreds of micrometers were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach. The nanowire bundles exhibit a high specific discharge capacity of 325.7 mA h g⁻¹ at 50 mA g⁻¹. While the current density is up to 2000 mA g⁻¹, the initial specific discharge capacities of a H₂V₃O₈ nanowires cathode can reach 121.1 mA h g⁻¹ with a capacity fading of only 0.0425% per cycle for 300 cycles. Electrical transport of a single nanowire is also recorded in situ to detect the evolution of the nanowire during annealing. The conductivity of H₂V₃O₈ nanowire has an increase of three orders of magnitude compared to that of the dehydrated nanowire. The excellent electrochemical performance of H₂V₃O₈ nanowire bundles results from high conductivity and good structural stability. This work demonstrates that H₂V₃O₈ nanowire bundles are a promising cathode material for lithium batteries.