Abstract

Single-crystalline LiV₃O₈ nanobelts have been synthesized by using V₂O₅ nanobelts as the vanadium resource via a facile solid-state reaction method. The LiV₃O₈ nanobelts with thickness of less than 20 nm, widths of 100–300 nm, and length up to several micrometers can grow along the [01] direction. The small thickness of LiV₃O₈ nanobelts are expected to shorten the Li⁺ ion diffusion distance for the improved electrochemical performance of electrode material. The influence of types of lithium salts on the morphologies and sizes of LiV₃O₈ nanostructures has been investigated. When used as the cathode material in rechargeable lithium batteries, LiV₃O₈ nanobelts exhibit stable lithium-ion intercalation/deintercalation reversibility and deliver initial specific discharge capacities of around 356.2 mAh/g at 0.02 A/g, 273.6 mAh/g at 0.05 A/g, and 234.0 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g, respectively. After 30 cycles, the specific discharge capacities are lowered to 298.6 mAh/g at 0.02 A/g, 234.5 mAh/g at 0.05 A/g, and 195.5 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g, respectively. The good electrochemical properties of LiV₃O₈ nanobelts make them a promising candidate as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries.