Synthesis of Li3xLa1−xVO4 solid solution by citrate sol–gel method and its ionic conductivity

Abstract In this manuscript, we report the synthesis of Li 3 x La 1− x VO 4 (0≤ x ≤0.3) by the citrate sol–gel method. The powder and sintered samples were characterized by differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ac impedance techniques. The experimental results show that LaVO 4 pure phase and Li 3 x La 1− x VO 4 solid solution are formed above 650°C. The diameter of the powders is about 125 nm when the molar ratio of metal ions and citric acid is 1:3. The measured magnitudes of conductivities are in the range of 10 −7 –10 −3  s cm −1 ; the value of the activation energy is 31.21–34.41 kJ mol −1 for Li 3 x La 1− x VO 4 from 15 to 590°C.