Hierarchical Cu₄V_2.15O_9.38 micro-/nanostructures: A lithium intercalating electrode material

Hierarchical Cu₄V_2.15O_9.38 micro-/nanostructures have been prepared by a facile "forced hydrolysis" method, from an aqueous peroxovanadate and cupric nitrate solution in the presence of urea. The hierarchical architectures with diameters of 10-20 m are assembled from flexible nanosheets and rigid nanoplates with widths of 2-4 m and lengths of 5-10 m in a radiative way. The preliminary electrochemical properties of Cu₄V_2.15O_9.38 have been investigated for the first time and correlated with its structure. This material delivers a large discharge capacity of 471 mA h g^-1 above 1.5 V, thus making it an interesting electrode material for primary lithium ion batteries used in implantable cardioverter defibrillators.