Performance of lithium/V₂O₅ xerogel coin cells

Vanadium pentoxide xerogel (XRG) materials have shown promise for use as cathodes in high energy density batteries. A composite cathode was formed from a mixture of the XRG, carbon, and two binders and studied in a coin cell configuration. The cathode, separator, and lithium anode were stacked in a 2016 coin cell container, and a liquid electrolyte was used for the investigation. In contrast to thin film configurations where 4 Li⁺ ions may be inserted per mole of the XRG host, the composite cathode supported the insertion of less than 2 Li⁺ ions per mole or V₂O₅ (XRG). It appears that morphology, electronic conductivity, and solid-state diffusivity combined to limit the performance of the cathodes.