The synthesis of anhydrous Li
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V
3O
8 from its xerogel has been studied by using thermodiffractometryand variable temperature
51V magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. Completion of dehydration leadsto a sample characterized by a bimodal grain size distribution, the larger and smaller sized particlescoming from the two components of the xerogel (liquid and solid components), respectively. The specificreactions undergone by these two components have been identified: the solid component gradually loseswater by undergoing a series of phase transitions involving layered phases with decreasing waterconcentrations, the hewettite framework being maintained throughout the reaction, whereas in the caseof the dried liquid component of the xerogel, the formation of anhydrous Li
1+![](/images/gifchars/alpha.gif)
V
3O
8 occurs through thedecomposition of lithium vanadates, which is followed by the formation and then progressive dehydrationof a hydrated hewettite structure. It is shown that the biphasic nature of the pristine gel precursor has animpact on the electrochemical behavior of anhydrous Li
1+![](/images/gifchars/alpha.gif)
V
3O
8.