Application of monoclinic graphene-decorated Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanocrystals as an ultra-high-rate cathode for lithium-ion batteries

A nanocomposite, consisting of conductive graphene intercalated with nanosized Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C hybrids, was successfully synthesized through a solution route followed by microwave irradiation. XRD results reveal that the crystal structure of graphene modified Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C remains unchanged. TEM images demonstrate that the Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C nanoparticles in the composite are well enwrapped by graphene. Compared to the pure Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C electrode, the graphene-decorated Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C nanocomposite exhibits an excellent high-rate capability and outstanding cycling stability. In the potential range of 3.0-4.8 V, it delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 189 mA h g(-1) at a low rate of 0.1 C, and maintains an initial discharge capacity of 143 at 10 degrees C. The superior performance can be attributed to the synergetic effect of the nanosized Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C particles and the conductive graphene wrapping layers. Therefore, we believe that this strategy can be used for the preparation of other graphene-based cathode or anode materials for high-rate lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.