Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Ag0.333V2O5–V2O5 core–shell nanobelts for rechargeable lithium batteries

Ag0.333V2O5–V2O5 core–shell nanobelts have been synthesized by a facile homogeneous reaction between peroxovanadic acid and AgNO3 under hydrothermal conditions. The formation of Ag0.333V2O5–V2O5 core–shell nanobelts is time dependent: Ag0.333V2O5 nanobelts are formed firstly, and then V2O5 grows on the Ag0.333V2O5 surfaces. The core–shell nanobelts exhibit stable lithium-ion intercalation/deintercalation reversibility and deliver specific discharge capacities of around 276.4 mAhg−1 after 50 cycles at a rate of 0.25 Ag−1. The value is lowered to 228 mAhg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1, and 147.2 mAhg−1 at 0.75 Ag−1. The good electrochemical properties of Ag0.333V2O5–V2O5 core–shell nanobelts make them a promising candidate as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries.

► Ag0.333V2O5–V2O5 nanobelts have been synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method.
► Ag0.333V2O5–V2O5 nanobelts have core-shell structures.
► Ag0.333V2O5–V2O5 nanobelts exhibit improved electrochemical properties.