Investigation of the effects of V₂O₅ addition on the electrochemical properties of carbon anodes

Through observation of the binding energy spectra of V_2p(S = 3/2) and C_1s, and ESR measurements, we suggest that the nucleation agent formed during heat-treatment of a mixture of V₂O₅ and melamine-formaldehyde resin (polymeric carbon) is the complex VO(graphene)₂. First, this complex enables the carbon structure to become more ordered and increases its d₀₀₂ value. Second, the VO displays electron-absorbing ability. Third, the content of the imperfect carbon structure is decreased. All of these effects result in increased capacity and improved cycling behaviour of lithium secondary batteries using such material as the anode.