Amorphous VPO4/C with the enhanced performances as an anode for lithium ion batteries

AbstractAmorphous and crystalline VPO4/C were synthesized by a facile solution reaction method followed with controlled annealing. The discharge capacities of amorphous VPO4/C at 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 A g−1 achieved 730, 498, and 397 mAh g−1, respectively. However, the discharge capacities of crystalline VPO4/C at the same rates were substantially lower and could only reach 487, 319, and 237 mAh g−1, respectively. Characterization and analyses of electrochemical properties and ionic diffusion suggested more reaction sites and open framework in the amorphous sample facilitated ion migration and lithium ion storage resulting in both high capacity and rate capability. The results showed that the amorphization could be an effective way towards electrodes for high energy density lithium-ion batteries