Upadhyayula V Varadaraju

Li-insertion studies were performed on V4O3(PO4)3 that belongs to the libscombite/lazulite family. Availability of multiple oxidation states and vacancies in crystal structure allows for the insertion of more than 7 lithium ions per formula unit. We will show that in the voltage window of 1-4 V vs. Li+/Li, 6.0 Li-ions could be inserted leading to a reversible capacity of 195 mAh/g at a C/5 rate. A structural transformation is observed from ex-situ XRD patterns after the insertion of 2 lithium at 2.4 V vs. Li+/Li, consistent with the available crystallographic sites in the structure. Interestingly we show that from this phase Li2V4O3(PO4)3, further lithium insertion lead to an amorphous material but the structure is completely recovered on charge.

Electrochemical lithium insertion studies on WNb12O33 synthesized by solid state reaction (SSR) are carried out in the voltage range 1.0-3.2 V. During first discharge 15.6 Li are inserted with a specific capacity of 221 mAh/g. WNb12O33 is also synthesized by sol-gel (SG) technique with a view to enhance the rate capability and cycling properties. The SSR and SG samples are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and galvanostatic cycling. Electrochemical cycling performance of SG samples is superior to that of the SSR sample at high 'C' rates. The sample synthesized by SG method exhibits high specific capacity of 142 mAh/g after 20 cycles at 20C rate. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The exchange of lithium for univalent copper in CuNbO3 has been investigated. A new form of LiNbO3 with a lamellar structure has been synthesized from the topotactic reaction between CuNbO3 and a molten salt corresponding to the eutectic "LiCl/LiNO3". This compound crystallizes in the P21/a space group with a = 9.433 Å, b = 8.226 Å, c = 6.213 Å, and β = 90.2°. This new phase intercalates one lithium on the first discharge and shows reversibility of 0.7 lithium through a first-order transformation leading to a capacity of 120 mAh/g at a potential of 1.65 V vs Li+/Li. © 2011 American Chemical Society.

An original synthesis method for the synthesis of hydrated iron trifluorides is presented for the first time. This method, based on solvothermal process starting from iron salt and HF in alcool, is economic, simple and environmentally benign. The electrochemical performances of the composite phase FeF3·0.5H2O/graphene is showing enhanced capacity of 200 mAh/g at C/20.

An original synthesis method for the synthesis of hydrated iron trifluoride is presented. This method, based on solvothermal process starting from iron salt and HF in alcool, is economic and simple. The electrochemical performances of the composite phase FeF3·0.33H2O/Graphitic oxide is showing enhanced capacity of 250 mAh/g at 0.05 °C.