The organic-inorganic polyaniline/V2O5 system - Application as a high-capacity hybrid cathode for rechargeable lithium batteries

Thr application of a hybrid polyaniline/V2O5 cathode material in reversible lithium electrochemical cells is reported, We have studied the influence o f synthesis conditions and subsequent treatments of this hybrid electrode u nder oxygen in order to optimize its performance as a lithium-insertion cat hode. The temperature and duration of this treatment are key parameters in determining the final specific charge of the cathode. The optimal material yielded a specific charge as high as 302 Ah/kg measured at a low discharge rate (C/48) corresponding to the insertion of 2.72 lithium ions per formula unit (C6H4N)(0.6)V2O5. 0.3H(2)O). Higher scan rates of C/12 lead to specif ic capacities of 200 Ah/kg. The thermal and electrochemical stability of th e hybrid electrode, especially in relation to the decomposition of the orga nic polymer and its effect on battery performance and cyclability, are also discussed. (C) 1999 The Electrochemical Society. S0013-4651(98)08-027-6. A ll rights reserved.