A Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C thin film with high rate capability as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

A monoclinic lithium vanadium phosphate (Li3V2(PO4)(3)) and carbon composite thin film (LVP/C) is prepared via electrostatic spray deposition. The film is studied with X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and galvanostatic cell cycling. The LVP/C film is composed of carbon-coated Li3V2(PO4)(3) nanoparticles (50 nm) that are well distributed in a carbon matrix. In the voltage range of 3.0-4.3 V, it exhibits a reversible capacity of 118 mA h g(-1) and good capacity retention at the current rate of 1 C, while delivers 80 mA h g(-1) at 24 C. These results suggest a practical strategy to develop new cathode materials for high power lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.