Formation of Li[sub 1+n]V[sub 3]O[sub 8]∕β-Li[sub 1∕3]V[sub 2]O[sub 5]∕C Nanocomposites by Carboreduction and the Resulting Improvement in Li Capacity Retention

The formation of the xerogel precursor of Li 1 + α V 3 O 8 within a suspension of carbon black allows the synthesis of Li 1 + α + x V 3 O 8 ∕ β - Li 1 ∕ 3 V 2 O 5 ∕ C nanocomposites upon heating under argon at 350°C for a few minutes. The intimate contact of the active material with carbon particles ensures a limitation of the particle growth, a reduction-insertion of the pristine Li 1 + α V 3 O 8 compound along with the formation of β - Li 1 ∕ 3 V 2 O 5 , and an efficient electronic transport to the active materials. The electrochemical performance of these nanocomposites is significantly better in terms of both initial capacity and capacity retention upon cycling than that of standard Li 1 + α V 3 O 8 .