Facile Lithium Ion Transport through Superionic Pathways Formed on the Surface of Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C for High Power Li Ion Battery

Abstract

We report a new discovery for enhancing Li ion transport at the surface of Li3V2(PO4)(3) particles through superionic pathways built along an ionic conductor. The Li3V1.95Zr0.05(PO4)(3)/C composite has much higher initial discharge capacity, superior rate-capability, and excellent cycling performance when compared with pristine Li3V2(PO4)(3)/C. This is partly due to the occupation of vanadium sites by Zr4+ ions in the Li3V2(PO4)(3) host crystals and facile Li ion migration through a LiZr2(PO4)(3)-like secondary phase that forms on the surface of the Li3V1.95Zr0.05(PO4)(3) particles. Our findings about high Li ion transport and structure stabilization induced by Zr incorporation suggests a breakthrough strategy for achieving high-power Li rechargeable batteries using NASICON-structured cathode materials in combination with nanoarchitecture tailoring.