Development and perspective of the insertion anode Li3VO4 for lithium-ion batteries

With a large capacity and low, safe voltage, Li3VO4 is considered to be a promising new insertion type anode for lithium-ion batteries. However, its poor electrical conductivity limits its practical application. Many works have been made to improve the electrochemical performance such as reducing the particle size via different synthesis methods, enhancing the conductivity by carbon coating or compositing. Within three years, the reversible capacity of Li3VO4 increased from 320 to 590 mA h g(-1), its capacity can be remained at 230 mA h g(-1) even at a high current density of 125 C (50 A g(-1)), long cycle life of 5000 cycles at 50 C (20 A g(-1)) with little capacity decay is also achieved. Simultaneously, the in-depth study by in-situ and ex-situ XRD push forward for the better understanding of Li3VO4 on its insertion mechanism and structure evolution processes. In this article, we review the current research development of Li3VO4, discuss its merits/demerits for practical use, and analyze the challenges and perspectives of Li3VO4 as an insertion anode for lithium-ion batteries.