Hydrothermal microwave-assisted synthesis of Li${}_3$VO${}_4$ as an anode for lithium-ion battery

Li${}_3$VO${}_4$ with various morphologies has been synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. It is shown that the crystal size and morphology of Li${}_3$VO${}_4$ are determined by the type of solvent in the reaction solution and possible reasons of the solvent-type effect are discussed. Electrochemical studies of as-prepared Li${}_3$VO${}_4$ as anode materials for Li-ion batteries demonstrate a clear influence of the materials' morphology and surface properties on the electrochemical performance. Li${}_3$VO${}_4$ nanocrystals with a porous structure exhibit an enhanced electrochemical activity with an initial discharge capacity of 163 mAh g${}^{-1}$.