Synthesis and characterization of a new organo-inorganic poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) PEDOT/V2O5 nanocomposite by intercalation

We have developed a novel nanocomposite material, PEDOT/V2O5 by inserting poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) PEDOT in V2O5 layers using oxidative polymerization/intercalation in air. A systematic study of the synthesis of the nanocomposites by direct in situ reaction of 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene (EDOT) with V2O5 fine powder shows that upon intercalation, the interlayer spacing of V2O5 expands in two stages, i.e., first from 4.32 to 13.84 Angstrom and further to 19.04 Angstrom. The interlayer separation is consistent with the existence of two phases in the PEDOT/V2O5 system corresponding to the intercalation of one and two monolayers of PEDOT, respectively, in the V2O5 framework. The unique properties of the organo-inorganic composites are investigated by electronic conductivity measurements, X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and SEM. The application potential of these composites as cathode materials in rechargeable lithium batteries is also demonstrated by the electrochemical intercalation of lithium into the PEDOT/V2O5 nanocomposites, where an enhancement in the discharge capacity (240 mA h g(-1)) is observed compared to that (140 mA h g(-1)) observed for V2O5