Abstract
Owing to the high demand for electronic devices and electric vehicles, a huge effort has been directed to the exploration and development of new batteries with good cycling stability, satisfactory high specific capacity and safety. In this paper, we report the designed synthesis of the vanadium oxide with mixed valence H2V3O8 and the composite H2V3O8/PEDOT:PSS using low cost and easy hydrothermal method. Electrochemical activity of the vanadium oxyhydroxide H2V3O8 and the composite H2V3O8/PEDOT:PSS as cathodes materials for high performance lithium-ion batteries was evaluated vs. Li+/Li at various current rates. Compared with pure H2V3O8, composite H2V3O8/PEDOT:PSS cathode exhibits higher specific capacity (390 mAh g(-1) at 0.05 A g(-1) whereas, an initial discharge capacity of 300 mAh g(-1) is observed at 0.3 A g(-1)), more excellent rate performance and longer cycle life. The composite H2V3O8/PEDOT:PSS cathode delivers excellent specific capacity of ca. 390 mAh g(-1) and a 97.5% capacity retention are achieved even after 350 cycles at current density of 0.05 A g(-1). Higher electrochemical capacity and stability of the new composite cathode are mainly ascribed to a cooperative effect between the conductive polymer (PEDOT:PSS) with good electrical conductivity and the unique nano-sized H2V3O8 rods with short diffusion pathway for lithium ions diffusion.