Ag–Ag_0.08V₂O₅·<i>n</i>H₂O composite films as host materials for Li⁺ intercalation

Abstract We have prepared Ag–Ag 0.08 V 2 O 5 · n H 2 O composite films by dispersing Ag nanowires into V 2 O 5 · n H 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 · n H 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 · n H 2 O, due to partial Ag reacted with V 2 O 5 · n H 2 O. At a current density of 85 mA/g, such Ag–Ag 0.08 V 2 O 5 · n H 2 O film can intercalate about two equivalents of Li ions and delivers twice the capacity of the V 2 O 5 · n H 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 · n H 2 O films including (i) further amorphization of V 2 O 5 · n H 2 O, (ii) increased porosity, and (iii) enhancement of electrical conductivity. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim)