Phase-pure inverse spinel LiNiVO4 and LiAlxNi1−xVO4 have been synthesized with good surface morphology by a sol-gel method
using glycine as a chelating agent. The product was characterized by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, X-ray
diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and galvanostatic cycling studies. Surface
morphology examinations of the undoped LiNiVO4 particles showed micrometer-sized, cube-shaped grains, while that of
aluminum-doped particles showed uniform spherical particles. As compared to the solid-state synthesis route, the sol-gel combustion
process greatly reduces the temperature �250°C� for preparing LiNiVO4 and LiAlxNi1−xVO4. Subsequent calcination
between 650 and 850°C significantly enhances the crystallinity of the synthesized LiNiVO4 and LiAlxNi1−xVO4 powder. The
discharge capacity and cycling performance of the LiAl0.1Ni0.99VO4 was found to be superior at a calcination temperature of
250°C
