Self standing flexible cathode of V2O5 nanobelts with high cycling stability for lithium ion batteries
Abstract Self standing V 2 O 5 nanobelt electrode free of binders, conductive carbon or current collectors was successfully prepared via a simple one step hydrothermal reaction. The length of V 2 O 5 nanobelts was up to several hundreds micrometers and the thickness was around 40 nm. Ultralong nanobelts as building blocks and internal voids provide a robust mechanical flexibility and shortened ion/electron transport pathway. The self standing electrode delivered an initial specific capacity of 127.4 mA h g 1 at a current density of 60 mA g 1 and exhibited excellent cycling stability with capacity retention up to 89.8% after 200 cycles. The outstanding cycling performance can be attributed to the excellent network stability, shortened Li ion diffusion pathway and the high surface area between electrolyte/electrode interfaces.