Cu sub(3)V sub(2)O sub(8) Nanoparticles as Intercalation-Type Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal Vol. 22; no. 32; pp. 11405 - 11412
• Main Authors: Li, Malin, Gao, Yu, Chen, Nan, Meng, Xing, Wang, Chunzhong, Zhang, Yaoqing, Zhang, Dong, Wei, Yingjin, Du, Fei, Chen, Gang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.08.2016
• Subjects: Anodes; Copper; Decomposition; Discharge; Electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries; Nanoparticles; Rechargeable batteries
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201601423

Cu sub(3)V sub(2)O sub(8) nanoparticles with particle sizes of 40-50nm have been prepared by the co-precipitation method. The Cu sub(3)V sub(2)O sub(8) electrode delivers a discharge capacity of 462mAhg super(-1) for the first 10 cycles and then the specific capacity, surprisingly, increases to 773mAhg super(-1) after 50 cycles, possibly as a result of extra lithium interfacial storage through the reversible formation/decomposition of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film. In addition, the electrode shows good rate capability with discharge capacities of 218mAhg super(-1) under current densities of 1000mAg super(-1). Moreover, the lithium storage mechanism for Cu sub(3)V sub(2)O sub(8) nanoparticles is explained on the basis of ex situ X-ray diffraction data and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses at different charge/discharge depths. It was evidenced that Cu sub(3)V sub(2)O sub(8) decomposes into copper metal and Li sub(3)VO sub(4) on being initially discharged to 0.01V, and the Li sub(3)VO sub(4) is then likely to act as the host for lithium ions in subsequent cycles by means of the intercalation mechanism. Such an "in situ" compositing phenomenon during the electrochemical processes is novel and provides a very useful insight into the design of new anode materials for application in lithium-ion batteries. Cu sub(3)V sub(2)O sub(8 ) electrodes: Cu sub(3)V sub(2)O sub(8) nanoparticles, prepared as an anode material, deliver a discharge capacity of 462mAhg super(-1) for the first 10 cycles that increases to 773mAhg super(-1) after 50 cycles, possibly as a result of extra lithium storage. The electrode also shows good rate capability. The Cu sub(3)V sub(2)O sub(8) decomposes into copper and Li sub(3)VO sub(4) on being initially discharged to 0.01V, and the Li sub(3)VO sub(4) then acts as host for lithium ions in subsequent cycles through an intercalation mechanism (see figure) with the copper enhancing the conductivity.