An additive and template free process was developed for the synthesis of mesocrystalline VO2(B) nanostars via the solvothermal reaction of oxalic acid and V2O5. Microscopy results demonstrate that the six-armed star architectures are composed of stacked nanosheets that are homoepitaxially oriented along the [100] crystallographic register with respect to one another. The mesocrystal formation mechanism is proposed to proceed through classical as well as non-classical crystallization processes and was possibly facilitated or promoted by the presence of a reducing/chelating agent. The product was tested as cathode for lithium-ion batteries and show good capacity at discharge rates ranging from 150-1500 mA g-1 and a cyclic stability of 195 mA h g-1 over fifty cycles. The exposed (100) facets lead to fast lithium intercalation, and the homoepitaxial stacking of nanosheets offers a strong inner-sheet binding force that leads to better accommodation of the strain induced during cycling.

Vanadium oxide mesocrystals: Synthesis, formation mechanism, and application in lithium-ion battery

245th National Meeting (2013)

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