Na3V2(PO4)3/C nanocomposite synthesized via pre-reduction process as high-performance cathode material for sodium-ion batteries

A Na3V2(PO4)(3)/C nanocomposite is successfully synthesized by a simple pre-reduction and subsequent calcination process. The structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the Na3V2(PO4)(3)/C nanocomposite are investigated. The Na3V2(PO4)(3)/C electrode delivered an initial discharge capacity of 106 mAh g(-1) at a current rate of 20 mA g(-1), equivalent to reversible storage of 1.8 Na per unit of Na3V2(PO4)(3). The electrode also exhibited excellent rate capability, as it could release 92 mAh g(-1) at 500 mA g(-1), 77mAh g(-1) at 1000 mA g(-1), and 47 mAh g(-1) at 2000 mA g(-1). The preliminary experimental results suggest that this Na3V2(PO4)(3)/C nanocomposite is a promising cathode material for low-cost and high-performance Na ion batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.