Topotactically synthesized ultralong LiV 3 O 8 nanowire cathode materials for high-rate and long-life rechargeable lithium batteries

Abstract

High-power applications at fast charge and discharge rates are still significant challenges in the development of rechargeable lithium (Li) batteries. Here, we demonstrate that ultralong LiV 3 O 8 nanowire cathode materials synthesized by topotactic Li intercalation are capable of excellent high-rate performance with minimal capacity loss. A specific discharge capacity of 176 mAh g 1 can be obtained at the current density of 1500 mA g 1, and the capacity is able to stabilize at 160 mAh g 1 after 400 cycles, corresponding to 0.025% capacity fading per cycle. For current density up to 2000, mA g 1, the initial and the six-hundredth cycle capacities can reach 137 and 120 mAh g 1, respectively, corresponding to a capacity fading of only 0.022% per cycle. The ability to provide this level of performance is attributed to a low-charge-transfer resistance, good structural stability, large surface area and suitable degree of crystallinity, and it indicates that LiV 3 O 8 nanowires are promising cathode materials for use in high-rate and long-life rechargeable Li batteries. © 2012 Nature Japan K.K. All rights reserved.