Synthesis of LiV3O8 nanosheets as a high-rate cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries

LiV3O8 nanosheets with a thickness of 15-30 nm and width of 200-500 nm were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach combined with a solid state process, using uniform (NH4)(0.5)V2O5 nanosheets as the precursor. The nanosheets show a discharge capacity of 260.0, 232.4, 173.9 and 148.7 mA h g(-1) at 0.4, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 C, respectively. Good cycling stability is also demonstrated by the capacity retention of 85.3% at 1000 mA g(-1) after 100 cycles. The unique nanosheet structure greatly contributes to the short Li+ diffusion pathways and a good contact between the active material and electrolyte, as well as a good tolerance of the morphology change, which mainly result in high rate performance and good cycling stability for LiV3O8 nanosheets.