In situ coupling of Li3VO4 and bifunctional Ni nanoparticles toward enhanced lithium storage
摘要
Li3VO4, characterized by its high theoretical capacity and minimal volume expansion, emerges as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, challenges such as poor electrical conductivity and morphological control hinder its practical application. In this study, we synthesized a homogeneous Li3VO4 precursor via a hydrothermal method, ensuring uniform complexation of lithium and vanadium sources. During subsequent spray pyrolysis, the Li3VO4 precursor templated the directional adsorption of Ni, facilitating the in situ transformation of the Ni source into nanoparticles and yielding Li3VO4-0.50Ni porous microspheres. These microspheres possess an exceptionally large specific surface area of 130.0 m2 g−1, enhancing electrolyte contact and reaction kinetics. The incorporation of Ni improves the electrical conductivity of Li3VO4 and, in conjunction with dispersed Ni and carbon, mitigates Li3VO4 particle aggregation. As a result, Li3VO4-0.50Ni demonstrates a discharge capacity of 433.8 mAh g−1 after 3000 cycles at a high current density of 4.0 A g−1, with a capacity retention of approximately 93.3%. This work underscores the potential of Li3VO4-0.50Ni as a robust anode material for high-performance LIBs.