Electrospun Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃Nanobelts: Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties as Cathode Materials of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Novel Li3V2 (PO4)3 nanobelts, which was confirmed by the peaks of X-ray diffraction, were prepared by a facile and environmentally friendly electrospinning method. A distinct nanobelt structure, with an average width of 2.5 µm and a thickness of 200 nm, is observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the specific surface area of 140.8 m2/g is estimated by a specific surface area analyzer. Moreover, the unique Li3V2(PO4)3 nanobelts exhibited a specific discharge capacity of 155.6 mAh/g at 0.2 C rate when they were used as cathode material in lithium-ion batteries, on testing from 3.0 to 4.8 V. Remarkably, the batteries containing Li3V2(PO4)3 nanobelts displayed excellent cycling performance, with only a 0.02% fading rate per cycle after 50 cycles in the range 30–4.3 V. These outstanding electrochemical performances could be ascribed to the particular morphology, large surface area, homogeneous particle size distribution, and the one-dimensional microstructure of Li3V2(PO4)3 nanobelts.