Improving the volumetric energy densities of nanostructured V2O5 electrodes prepared using the template method

Membrane-based template synthesis was used to prepare nanostructured V2O5 e lectrodes with high Li-insertion rate capabilities and improved volumetric charge capacities. Two methods were used to increase volumetric capacity. T he first entailed chemically etching the template membrane prior to templat e-synthesis of the V2O5 within the pores of the membrane. Chemical etching increased both the pore diameter and porosity of the membrane. Nanostructur ed electrodes were prepared by depositing an alkoxide V2O5 precursor within the pores of the etched template membranes. The resulting electrodes consi sted of V2O5 nanofibrils protruding from a Pt current collector surface lik e the bristles of a brush. The second approach for increasing volumetric ca pacity entailed applying additional V2O5 to the nanostructured electrodes p repared from the etched membranes. Results of investigations of the volumet ric and geometric rate capabilities and the cycling performance of these el ectrodes are presented here. (C) 2001 The Electrochemical Society.