Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Ti-doped Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode materials

Ti-doped Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode materials were synthesized by a solid-state method. The properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopic (SEM), and electrochemical tests. XRD results indicate that Ti-doping and carbon coating do not alter the structure of Li3V2(PO4)3. SEM images show that Ti-doping could reduce the particle size of Li3V2(PO4)3. Electrochemical tests reveal that Li3V1.95Ti0.05(PO4)3/C possesses the best electrochemical performances. It delivers the first discharge specific capacities of 124.4, 123.5, 120.9, and 114.9 mAh·g−1 at 0.1C, 1.0C, 2.0C, and 3.0C rates, respectively, and shows excellent cycling performance. The improved electrochemical performances are attributed to the Ti-doping, which increases the electronic and ionic conductivities of the cathode material.