Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Properties of Ag₂V₄O₁₁ and AgVO₃ 1-D Nano/Microstructures

We report on the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of Ag(2)V(4)O(11) nanowires, alpha-AgVO(3) microrods, and beta-AgVO(3) nanowires that were synthesized through a simple and facile low-temperature hydrothermal approach without any template or catalyst. It was found that by simply controlling the hydrothermal reaction parameters such as pH and dwell time, the transformation of alpha-AgVO(3) microrods to beta-AgVO(3) nanowires were readily achieved through a "ripening-splitting model" mechanism. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the as-prepared Ag(2)V(4)O(11) nanowires, alpha-AgVO(3) microrods, and beta-AgVO(3) nanowires exhibited high discharge capacities and excellent high-rate dischargeability. In particular, the beta-AgVO(3) nanowires have much higher capacity above 3 V than that of alpha-AgVO(3) microrods, Ag(2)V(4)O(11) nanowires, and commercial Ag(2)V(4)O(11) bulk. The mechanisms for electrochemical lithium intercalation of the AgVO(3) nanostructures were also discussed. It is anticipated that the novel Ag(2)V(4)O(11) and AgVO(3) one-dimensional nano/microstructures are promising cathode candidates in the application of primary lithium ion batteries for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).