Li1.1V0.9O2/C Microspheres with Isomeric Core-Shell structure and their Improved Lithium Storage Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 /C microspheres with isomeric core-shell structure were synthesized by a rapid cooling and subsequent evaporative assembly approach. The prepared Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 /C microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including elemental mapping analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The core-shell Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 /C microspheres display identical composition but distinct texture of cores and shells, which herein is described as isomeric structure. Amorphous carbon nanodots are uniformly dispersed in the crystalline Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 matrix in the core. In the shell however, Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 nanoparticles are embedded in an amorphous carbon network. The Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 /C microspheres are tested as active material for anodes in lithium-ion batteries, and exhibit an excellent reversible capacity of 295 mAh g −1 , high capacity retention of 98 % after 100 cycles at 0.2 C and 95 % after 500 cycles at 2 C rate, and deliver wonderful rate capability of 250 mAh g −1 at 5 C. Thus, the Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 /C microspheres with isomeric core-shell structure are promising candidates as anode material for commercial lithium-ion batteries. Graphical In a nutshell : Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 /C microspheres are synthesized as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The Li 1.1 V 0.9 O 2 /C microspheres display identical composition but distinct texture of cores and shells, which herein is described as isomeric structure. As anodes in lithium-ion batteries, the microspheres exhibit excellent overall electrochemical performance, rendering this material as promising candidate for the use in commercial lithium-ion batteries.