the current invention relates to the preparation of an improved cathode active material for non - aqueous lithium electrochemical cell . in particular , the cathode active material comprises ε - phase silver vanadium oxide prepared by using a γ - phase silver vanadium oxide starting material . the reaction of γ - phase svo with a silver salt produces the novel ε - phase svo possessing a lower surface area than ε - phase svo produced from vanadium oxide and a similar silver salt as starting materials . consequently , the low surface area ε - phase svo material provides an advantage in greater long term stability in pulse dischargeable cells .