High Lithium Capacity MxV2O5Ay·nH2O for Rechargeable Batteries

The aqueous synthesis and electrochemical properties of nanocrystalline M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O are described. It is easily and quickly prepared by precipitation from acidified vanadate solutions. M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O has been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy, TGA, chemical analyses, and electrochemical studies. The atomic structure is related to that of xerogel-derived V₂O₅·nH₂O. In M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O, M is a cation from the starting vanadate salt and A is an anion from the mineral acid. This material exhibits high, reversible Li capacity and may be considered for use in a cathode in primary and secondary batteries. The lithium capacity of an electrode composed of M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O/EPDM/carbon (88/4/8) is ∼380(mA h)/g (C/80 rate) and the energy density is ∼1000(W h)/kg (120-μm-thick cathode, 4-1.5 V, versus Li metal anode). Critical parameters identified in the synthesis of M_xV₂O₅A_y·nH₂O, with respect to achieving high Li-ion insertion capacity, are acid/vanadium ratio, starting vanadate salt, and temperature. Inclusion of carbon black in the synthesis yields a composite that maintains the high Li capacity, lowers the electrochemical-cell polarization, and preserves the lithium capacity at higher discharge rates. Li-ion coin cells, using pre-lithiated graphite anodes, exhibit electrochemical performance comparable to that of Li-metal coin cells.