Ag-Ag0.08V2O5•nH2O composite films as host materials for Li+ intercalation

We have prepared Ag-Ag(0.08)V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O composite films by dispersing Ag nanowires into V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O sol and have investigated electrochemical properties of the films for Li+-ion intercalation applications. With the molar ratio of Ag nanowires to V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O as 0.1, such prepared films are composed of metallic Ag nanowires embedded in the matrix of Ag(0.08)V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O, due to partial Ag reacted with V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O. At a current density of 85 mA/g, such Ag-Ag(0.08)V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O film can intercalate about two equivalents of Li ions and delivers twice the capacity of the V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O xerogel film. Such improved electrochemical performance is ascribed to the changes in the microstructure and crystallinity of the Ag-Ag(0.08)V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O films including (i) further amorphization of V(2)O(5)(.)nH(2)O, (ii) increased porosity, and (iii) enhancement of electrical conductivity. (c) 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.