Three-in-One: A New 3D Hybrid Structure of Li3V2(PO4)3 @ Biomorphic Carbon for High-Rate and Low-Temperature Lithium Ion Batteries

Li3V2(PO4)(3) with high specific capacity and high operating potential has been considered as a promising cathode for the next generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs). But the low electronic conductivity restricts its practical applications. Here, a rational design of 3D hybrid structures of Li3V2(PO4)(3) @ biomorphic carbon is presented. The 3D hybrid structures built from 0D, 1D, and 2D composites are carbonized from biomorphic carbon, namely, three-in-one. The synergistic effects of the carbon with different dimensions provide high electronic conductivity and good structural stability. In addition, abundant porous channels in the structure accelerate transfer of the Li+. This unique cathode material reaches the capacity retention up to 96% (relative to 1 C) when the rate increased to 50 C. When combines with Li4Ti5O12 to form a full battery, it delivers a capacity of 174 mAh g(-1) at room temperature and retains 150 mAh g(-1) when the temperature decreases to -40 degrees C. The excellent properties are attributed to the high electronic conductivity, fast ion transport channels, large electrode-electrolyte contact area, and robust structure stability of the 3D hybrid architecture. This work provides a new strategy for constructing 3D framework electrode materials for LIBs.