In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization of V2O5 xerogel cathodes upon lithium intercalation

Vanadium pentoxide materials prepared through sol-gel processes act as excellent intercalation hosts for lithium as well as for polyvalent cations. Previous ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterizations have shown that the electrochemical performance of vanadium pentoxide xerogels depends inversely on the long-range order of the V2O5-layered structure. Recently, new ways to prevent the self-organization of the dry materials, which takes place upon water removal from the starting hydrogel, have been introduced. In the present paper we report on the in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization of a spray-coated V2O5 (freeze-dried) xerogel cathode upon lithium intercalation. (C) 1999 The Electrochemical Society. S0013-4651(98)09-048-X. All rights reserved.