Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 February 2011
This paper emphasizes the interest of sol-gel synthesis in obtaining high performance cathodic materials. New vanadium oxides, vanadium bronzes (MxV2O5) and manganese oxides (MnO2) are prepared via the sol-gel process using inorganic precursors in aqueous medium. Their electrochemical behaviour (working potential, specific capacity, kinetics of Li transport, rechargeability, cycle life) is investigated and discussed in relation with their specific structural, chemical and physical features. In particular, the results are compared to that achieved for the corresponding classical compounds prepared via a synthesis route involving solid state reactions or precipitationreactions.