Electrochemical properties of nanostructured Li1.2V3O8 in aqueous LiNO3 solution

The amorphous hydrated precursor of Li1.2V3O8 was synthesized by soft chemistry method, and then heat-treated in air at several temperatures within the range 200-400 degrees C. The heat-treatment changed its morphological, structural and charging/discharging performance. The product obtained upon the treatment at 300 degrees C. consisting of uniform, rod-shaped particles, 100-150 nm in diameter and 300-800 nm in length, displayed the best electrochemical performance in aqueous LiNO3 solution. Its initial discharge capacity amounted to 136.8 mAh g(-1) at a rate of C/5, which upon 50 charging/discharging cycles decreased for only 12%. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.