A sodium vanadium three-fluorophosphate cathode for rechargeable batteries synthesized by carbothermal reduction

Na3V2(PO4)(2)F-3, which could be used as cathode in Na-ion or Li-ion rechargeable batteries, was synthesized by carbothermal reduction (CTR) method at 700 degrees C with coralline structure by SEM analysis. The Na3V2(PO4)(2)F-3 cathode in Li-ion battery displayed an appreciable capacity of 188 mAh/g with a discharge plateau at 3.7 V under close-to-equilibrium galvanostatic conditions illuminating the feasible extraction of three Na ions per unit, and 130 mAh/g with retention of 96.8% after 37 cycles at 0.1 C. The NASICON-type structure could produce a large diffusion coefficient due to the three-dimensional framework, but cause a low conductivity and OCV around 3 V. The cathode could reach 188 mAh/g at 0.1 C, with a more 20 mAh/g at 3.7 V after washing by distilled water. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.