Effect of mesoporosity of vanadium oxide prepared by sol–gel process as cathodic material evaluated by cyclability during Li⁺ insertion/deinsertion

The effect of pore structure on the behavior of lithium intercalation into an electrode containing porous V₂O₅ film has been investigated and compared with the electrode containing a non-porous V₂O₅ film. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate a lamellar structure for both materials. Nitrogen adsorption isotherms, t-plot method, and Scanning Electronic Microscopy show that the route employed for the preparation of mesoporous V₂O₅ was successful. The electrochemical performance of these matrices as lithium intercalation cathode materials was evaluated. The porous material reaches stability after several cycles more easily compared with the V₂O₅ xerogel. Lithium intercalation into the porous V₂O₅ film electrode is crucially influenced by pore surface and film surface irregularity, in contrast with the non-porous surface of the V₂O₅ xerogel.