Electrochemical properties of nano-sized Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite powders prepared by spray pyrolysis from spray solution with chelating agent

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics Vol. 131; no. 1-2; pp. 292 - 296
• Main Authors: Ko, Y.N., Kim, J.H., Hong, Y.J., Kang, Y.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 15.12.2011
• Subjects: Chelating; Citric acid; EDTA; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Particulate composites; Sprayers; Sprays
• ISSN: 0254-0584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2011.09.044

Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanoparticles are prepared by spray pyrolysis. Particles formed from spray solutions containing citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as chelating agents are large and hollow with thin walls. The optimum concentrations of citric acid and EDTA are each 0.1M. Powders subsequently treated at 700 degree C under a reducing atmosphere have particles of single phase, monoclinic Li3V2(PO4)3. The Li3V2(PO4)3/C powders contains 14.9wt% carbon. The hollow structures are easily pulverized into nanoparticles by simple milling process. However, Li3V2(PO4)3 powder formed from spray solution without chelating agent has larger, aggregated structures. Both powders' charge curves show four plateaus at ca. 3.62, 3.70, 4.08 and 4.55V. The initial discharge capacities of the Li3V2(PO4)3/C powders at constant current densities of 0.1, 1 and 3C were 147, 122 and 86mAhg-1, respectively. The capacity retention of the Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanoparticles at a high current density of 1C after 100th cycle was 78%.