Hydrothermal synthesis and rate capacity studies of Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode material

The Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode material was obtained by a hydrothermal process, using citric acid as reduction agent. During the calcination process, citric acid and glucose were both used as the carbon sources. The structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of the synthesized materials were studied by XRD, SEM, charge-discharge tests and cycle voltammetry. The results showed that both of the two samples are monoclinic structure and no impure phase is detected. The sample using glucose as carbon source has smaller particle size and better electrochemical performance, it exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 136.76 mAh/g under 0.1C rate in the voltage range of 3.0-4.5 V; the highest discharge capacity at 10C, 20C and 30C were as high as 119.01, 105.35 and 87.69 mAh/g, respectively, indicating good rate capacity.