A review for the synthesis methods of lithium vanadium phosphate cathode materials

Monoclinic Lithium vanadium phosphate [Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃, LVP] has been extensively studied because of its attractive electrochemical properties including high specific energy, high specific capacity (133 mAh g⁻¹ in 3.0–4.3 V, 197 mAh g⁻¹ in 3.0–4.8 V), high working voltage (4.0 V), good cycle stability and low price used in rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the inherent defects such as low conductivity still restrict its practical application in high performance LIBs. Various synthesis methods have been developed in order to improve electrochemical performances of LVP. The results show that the different synthesis methods have great influence on the properties of LVP cathodes for LIBs, so the study on the synthesis method of high performance LVP will continue to be in great demand. This review briefly introduces the present synthesis methods of LVP, such as high-temperature solid-state method, sol–gel method, hydrothermal method, etc. Apart from already established conventional routes, the novel preparation technologies are also mentioned. Moreover, the synthesis mechanism and electrochemical performances of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode materials synthesized by each synthetic method are reviewed. Finally, the directions for further research and prospective applications for the LVP materials are proposed.