Synthesis and characterization of carbon supported V2O5 nanotubes and their electrochemical properties

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), as one of the most important electrode materials for lithium ions batteries, attracts tremendous attention. Here, carbon supported V2O5 hollow nanotubes are synthesized using carbon fibers as templates through solvothermal reaction with subsequent annealing treatment. Morphological features of the samples are investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm the formation of phase-pure structure. Elemental mapping and XPS studies are used to confirm the existence of carbon and V4+ in nanotubes. Electrochemical Li insertion behavior of nanotubes are explored as cathode in half cell configuration (vs. Li) using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge studies and rate tests. The V2O5 hollow nanotubes display a good cycling performance with a specific capacity of 237 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles at 100 mA g−1 in the voltage range of 2.0-4.0 V. Moreover, the nanotubes cathode delivers specific capacities of 165.8, 140.3 and 109.6 mA h g−1 at 1000, 2000 and 5000 mA g−1, respectively, indicating a desirable rate capability. The good electrochemical performance of carbon supported V2O5 hollow nanotubes can be attributed to the unique hollow nanotubes and the existence of carbon and V4+.