LiV3O8/Ag composite nanobelts with enhanced performance as cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries

Ag nanoparticles anchored LiV3O8 nanobelts have been synthesized via a facile sol-gel route. The as-prepared thin LiV3O8/Ag composite nanobelts have a thickness of several nanometers and a length of dozens of micrometers. The EDX result confirms the existence of Ag element in LVO/Ag composite and the uniform dispersion of Ag nanoparticle among the LVO/Ag composite. When it is evaluated as a cathode material for lithium batteries, the LiV3O8/Ag composite nanobelts exhibit excellent rate capability and long-term cyclic stability. A maximum specific discharge capacity of 247, 214, 175, 149, 124, 113 and 103 mA h g(-1) is achieved at the current densities of 50, 100, 300, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mA g(-1), respectively. It exhibits no capacity fading after 250 cycles at the current density of 1 A g(-1). The superior electrochemical performance indicates their promising application as cathode material in lithium ion batteries. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.