The sol-gel mixed oxide Cr_0.11V₂O_5.16: An attractive cathodic material for secondary lithium batteries

Abstract

Preliminary results of the properties of a new mixed oxide Cr_0.11V₂O_5.16 which was synthesized by a sol-gel process and may be used as cathode material for secondary lithium batteries are presented in this paper. The electrochemical properties are investigated and compared with those exhibited by the sol-gel vanadium pentoxide V₂O₅. The results are discussed with respect to the structural data available from these compounds. The presence of Cr³⁺ and additional O^2- ions in the structure notably emphasizes the attractive performances of the material both in terms of specific capacity and cycle life. In particular, a high capacity is still available even for the pure material used without addition of electronic conductor. The cyclability, as well as the behaviour at high discharge rates are found to be significantly better than for the parent oxide V₂O₅. These results are consistent with structural considerations from which less severe structural deformations are expected during lithium insertion.