A final related project that we have been exploring is the use of self-organized nanoscale materials for the production of nanoscale rechargeable lithium batteries.1 In this work, the same ideas of surfactant templating, are used to produce colloidal versions of layered vanadia materials for incorporation into 3D nanoscale batteries. After synthesis, the surfactant is exchanged for an alkali cation to produce the final colloidal cathode material. The layered vanadia nanorolls are produced by a hydrothermally driven structural rearrangement in which layered vanadates exfoliate and then roll up into scroll like structures. Because we have extensively studied the process of nanoscale restructuring in related surfactant templated materials, we have been able to logically tune the nanoscale architecture of these vanadia nanorolls for optimal cathode performance.
1. D. Sun, C.W. Kwon, G. Baure, E. Richman, J. MacLean, B. Dunn, and S.H. Tolbert, “Vanadium Oxide Nanorolls as Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries: The Relationship between Nanoscale Structure and Electrochemical Performance.” Adv. Func. Mater., 14, 1197-1204 (2004).