Characteristics of Li3V2(PO4)3/C powders prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

Li3V2(PO4)(3) and Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C powders are prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis from spray solutions with and without sucrose. The precursor powders have a spherical shape and the crystal structure of V2O3 irrespective of the concentration of sucrose in the spray solution. The powders post-treated at 700 degrees C have the pure crystal structure of the Li3V2(PO4)(3) phase irrespective of the concentration of sucrose in the spray solution. The Li3V2(PO4)(3) powders prepared from the spray solution without sucrose have a non-spherical shape and hard aggregation. However, the Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C powders prepared from the spray solution with sucrose have a spherical shape and non-aggregation characteristics. The Li3V2(PO4)(3) powders prepared from the spray solution without sucrose have a low initial discharge capacity of 122 mAh g(-1). However, the Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C powders prepared from the spray solutions with 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 M sucrose have initial discharge capacities of 141, 130, and 138 mAh g(-1), respectively. After 25 cycles, the discharge capacities of the powders formed from the spray solutions with and without 0.1 M sucrose are 70% and 71% of the initial discharge capacities, respectively. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.