Abstract
The layered trivanadate, LiV$_3$O$_{8}$ has been investigated as a cathode material for secondary lithium batteries. Early in its development the preparation method of LiV$_3$O$_{8}$ strongly influenced its electrochemical properties, such as discharge capacity, rate capability and cycling efficiency. In the present experiment, a new synthesis route has been applied to obtain LiV$_3$O$_{8}$ . Instead of the conventional high temperature technique leading to the crystalline form, a solution technique producing the amorphous form has been used. This material, after dehydration, shows an electrochemical performance exeeding that of the crystalline one. The rationale for this behavior mainly lies in microscopic factors, i.e., in the possibility for the unit cell of amorphous LiV$_3$O$_{8}$ to insert up to 9 Li$^{+}$, instead of six for crystalline LiV$_3$O$_{8}$ . The ultrasonically treated products in water were characterized by XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. These measurements showed that the ultrasonic treatment process of crystalline LiV$_3$O$_{8}$ causes a decrease in crystallinity and considerable increases in specific surface area and interlayer spacing.g.
