Topotactic lithium insertion/extraction properties of a new polyanion material LixCo2(MoO4)3 [0≤ x<3] for rechargeable lithium batteries

An open framework type new material LixCo2(MoO4)(3)[0 <= x < 3] possessing NASICON structure was identified as positive electrode material for use in 3V class lithium batteries. The new material was synthesized in its non-lithiated phase employing a metal/organic precursor method using a soft-combustion approach. we report here on the structural and electrochemical Li+ insertion/extraction properties of the resultant product. XRD revealed a single phase Co-2(MoO4)(3)] powders and the annealed powders were found to contain ultrafine spherical grains. The redox behavior of the new maiterial was demonstrated in lithium containing cells using the conventional wet cell configuration under Li+ aprotic organic electrolyte environment. The material offered a discharge capacity of similar to 110 mAh/g between 3.5V and 1.5V during the first cycle and similar to 50% of the initial capacity was retained at the end of 20(th)cycle.