In this work, synthesized 12-tungstenphosphoric acid (H3PW12O40 ? nH2O; PWA)
was further ionically exchanged with Fe3+ ions, which led to the formation
of the 12-tungstophosporic acid iron salt, (FePW12O40 ? nH2O; Fe-PWA).
Fe-PWA was then subjected to thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), determining the
phase transition temperature of 576?C from Fe-PWA to its corresponding
phosphate tungsten bronze doped with iron, Fe-PWB. Using the X-ray powder
diffraction (XRPD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and
Scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
(SEM-EDS) method, the obtained Fe-PWA and Fe-PWB were additionally
characterized, and compared. Due to channels and cavities in their
structures, Fe-PWA and Fe-PWB were next examined as electrode materials for
aqueous rechargeable batteries. Electrochemical measurements were done in
aqueous solutions of 6 M LiNO3 by cyclic voltammetry. Fe-PWA and Fe-PWB
exhibit different redox processes, which are discussed thoroughly in this
work. Electrochemical results are showing that within the Fe-PWA structure,
more Li+ ions can be intercalated in the first discharge cycle, but
consecutive cycling leads to a fast capacity fade. While the Fe-PWB redox
process was stable during cycling, its specific capacity is limited by the
material's poor electrical conductivity. Improvements in Fe-PWB conductivity
must be addressed in future studies in order to boost material?s
electrochemical performance.