V6O13

V6O13 is a vanadium oxide with the chemical formula V6O13. It is part of the broader family of mixed-valence vanadium oxides, in which vanadium exists in more than one oxidation state and the oxygen content deviates from simple stoichiometry. In this compound, vanadium adopts multiple oxidation states, commonly described as V3+, V4+, and V5+.

Crystal structure and phases: The solid adopts a low-symmetry framework built from VO6 octahedra connected to form sheets and tunnel-like voids. The arrangement of octahedra creates paths for ion transport and can vary with synthesis conditions, leading to reported polymorphs or subtle structural distortions depending on preparation method and temperature.

Synthesis and occurrence: V6O13 can be produced by solid-state reactions in the V2O5–reduction/oxidation system under controlled oxygen partial pressure, by dehydration or dehydrogenation of hydrated vanadium oxides, or by solution-based methods followed by thermal treatment. It appears as a non-stoichiometric phase within vanadium oxide systems and can be stabilized by specific synthesis routes.

Properties and potential applications: The mixed-valence framework imparts electronic conductivity higher than some higher-oxide vanadium compounds and enables electrochemical activity. As a result, V6O13 has been investigated for energy storage applications, including as a cathode material in rechargeable lithium and sodium ion systems, and for electrochromic or catalytic uses in vanadium oxide technologies.

It is related to the broader family of vanadium oxides, including the Magneli phases.