Controllable synthesis of FeVO₄@TiO₂ nanostructures as anode for lithium ion battery

FeVO₄@TiO₂ nanocomposite was fabricated via a simple and cost-effective approach. The FeVO₄ nanorods were synthesized by a hydrothermal method combined with calcination route without using any template and then coated with TiO₂ through an annealing process of dihydroxybis titanium. The FeVO₄ nanocomposite has a significantly enhanced electrochemical performance by coating with TiO₂. The FeVO₄@TiO₂ delivered a specific capacity of 1147 mAh g⁻¹, the discharge capacity remaining at 596 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles (at 200 mA g⁻¹), which is higher than that of pure FeVO₄. The discharge capacity of FeVO₄@TiO₂ could be as high as 337 mAh g⁻¹ (at a high load current density of 10,000 mA g⁻¹). Compared with pure FeVO₄, FeVO₄@TiO₂ shows a better rate performance. The amorphous TiO₂ coating on a layer of FeVO₄ created efficient improved stability of the structure during the charge/discharge process. The excellent rate capability and cyclic stability of the sample proved that FeVO₄@TiO₂ could be used as a new anode for lithium ion battery application. The synthesis method can also be applied to synthesize other related materials with typical morphologies and properties.