Fabrication of ultralong Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O nanobelts and its application in lithium-ion batteries

•Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O ultralong nanobelts have been prepared by a facile hydrothermal method.•The Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O nanobelts have a high aspect ratio of about 1000.•Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O nanobelts exhibited better discharge capacity and cyclability.

Ultralong Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O nanobelts with widths of 60–80 nm, thicknesses of 20–30 nm, and lengths up to several tens of micrometers have been successfully prepared on a large scale via a hydrothermal technique without using any surfactants or additives. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O nanobelts displayed high discharge capacity and good cycling stability, indicating that they might find possible applications as promising anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Significantly, this is the first time that the Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O nanobelt was used as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The present work will greatly expand the range of anode choices and could assist long-term endeavors in developing high capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.