A hierarchical structure of carbon-coated Li3VO4 nanoparticles embedded in expanded graphite for high performance lithium ion battery

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 303; pp. 333 - 339
• Main Authors: Hu, Shuang, Song, Yanfang, Yuan, Shouyi, Liu, Haimei, Xu, Qunjie, Wang, Yonggang, Wang, Cong-Xiao, Xia, Yong-Yao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 30.01.2016
• Subjects: Anode; Expanded graphite; Li3VO4; Lithium ion battery; Expanded graphite; Lithium ion battery; Anode; Li3VO4
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.11.015

A hierarchical structure of carbon-coated Li3VO4 nanoparticles homogeneously embedded in expanded graphite was successfully synthesized by a facile and scalable sol–gel method. In the constructed architecture, high electronic conductivity of expanded graphite serves as a loading carrier, enabling the fast transmission of electronics. The thin outside carbon shells protect the Li3VO4 nanoparticles from direct exposure to the electrolyte and mitigate unwanted interfacial side reactions. As a consequence, the hybrid material exhibits greatly enhanced cycle and rate capability compared with pristine Li3VO4: a reversible gravimetric capacity of 405 mAh g−1 obtained at 100 mA g−1 with 89% retention after 200 cycles, and 205.5 mAh g−1 obtained after 2000 cycles at a heavy current of 2000 mA g−1, as well as an remarkable rate performance of 62.7% capacity maintaining at 6400 mA g−1 (vs. 100 mA g−1). •Carbon-coated Li3VO4 embedded in expanded graphite has been synthesized at one step.•High electronic conductivity and mechanical stability are obtained.•Rate and cycling performance largely improved as for lithium ion battery.