Electrochemical properties of lithium powder anode cell with gel polymer electrolyte and lithium trivanadate cathode.

A Li secondary cell composed of a Li powder anode with a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) and a lithium trivanadate cathode was assembled, and its morphology and electrochemical properties were investigated. The cell had an initial charge/discharge capacity of about 190 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 C-rate, with 70% capacity retention over more than 30 cycles. The morphologies in the anode after Li deposition/dissolution were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The GPE soaked well into the porous Li powder electrode before curing, enveloping the Li powder. The cured GPE suppressed dendrite formation of the Li powder anode and increased its reactive surface area.