Preparation and some properties of lithium vanadium bronzes

Lithium vanadium bronzes with composition formula LixV2O5 (0.04 <= x <= 0.92) have been prepared by solid-state reaction at 650 degrees C in argon atmosphere. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and IR spectroscopy. The results reveal that four phases are present in the range from x = 0.04 to 0.92, namely alpha, beta, beta', and gamma phase. The magnetic susceptibility for the investigated bronzes was measured using the conventional Gouy's method. The values of the effective magnetic moments, as calculated from experimental data, indicate the presence of V4+ ions in all bronze samples. The electrical conductivity as a function of temperature and lithium content was measured in the temperature range from room temperature to 483 K. The electrical conductivity of the bronzes is found to be affected by lithium content. The values of the electrical conductivity increase with temperature for the prepared samples and both electronic and ionic conduction are discussed.