Bio-template synthesis of LiVO3 anode material for high-rate and long-life lithium-ion batteries

LiVO3 has long been investigated as a cathode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Although it possesses a high specific capacity (above 250 mAh g(-1)), the limited operation voltage of about 2.5 V is a critical restriction for the energy/power density. Here, we report a structured LiVO3 anode by utilizing cattail as a bio-template. The cattail was used to avoid the agglomeration of LiVO3 particles and was removed by high-temperature treatment. When employed as anode materials, the as-prepared LiVO3 exhibits a high specific capacity of 633.9 mAh g(-1), enhanced rate capability from 0.2 to 4.0 A g(-1) over 610 cycles with high capacity recovery, and long cycling stability of 443.1 mAh g(-1) capacity retention after 1200 cycles at 2.0 A g(-1). The excellent electrochemical performance and low cost of bio-template endow structured LiVO3 as a highly promising anode material for LIBs.