Influence of microwave heating on the structure and electrochemical property of NH4V3O8 cathode material for lithium ion batteries

NH4V3O8 nanosheets and flakes have been prepared successfully by co-precipitation method through microwave heating (MH) and conventional heating (CH), respectively. The effect of MH on the structure and electrochemical performance of NH4V3O8 as cathode material for lithium ion battery is investigated. In comparison with NH4V3O8 flakes prepared through CH, NH4V3O8 nanosheets prepared with MH possess much smaller thickness because of the uniform and rapid heating of microwave, and deliver higher discharge capacity, better cycling stability and better rate capability. The NH4V3O8 nanosheets exhibit a maximum discharge capacity of 292 mA h g(-1) at 15 mA g(-1) and maintain a capacity of 267 mA h g(-1) after 30 cycles. Results show that microwave heating is favorable to improve the electrochemical performance of NH4V3O8 cathode material. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.