Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Properties of Cu₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O Nanostructures

We report on the shape-controlled synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanomaterials that were synthesized through a simple and facile solution route without any surfactants or template. It was found that by simply controlling the reaction conditions, Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanowires, nanoflakes, and nanoparticles can be selectively prepared. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the as-prepared Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanowires, nanoflakes, and nanoparticles exhibited high discharge capacities and ideal shaped discharge curves. In particular, the Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanowires showed capacities much higher than those of Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanoflakes, nanoparticles, and commercial Ag 2 V 4 O 11 bulk. The correlation between the specific structural features of the nanowires and their superior electrode performance were also discussed. It is anticipated that the novel Cu 3 V 2 O 7 (OH) 2 ·2H 2 O nanowires are promising cathode candidates in the application of primary lithium ion batteries for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).