V2O5-Based nanomaterials: synthesis and their applications

As an important part of lithium-ion batteries, the cathode material can directly affect the performance of lithium-ion batteries. However, with the increasing demand for high-energy and high-power devices, the energy and power density of electrode materials need to be further improved. Among all metal oxides, vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is regarded as a promising candidate to serve as a cathode material for LIBs due to its high theoretical capacity. Herein, a thorough survey of the synthesis of V2O5-based nanomaterials with various structures and chemical compositions and their application as positive electrodes for LIBs is provided. This review covers V2O5 with different morphologies ranging from 1D nanorods/nanowires/nanotubes/nanofibers/nanobelts, to 2D nanosheets, and to 3D hollow and porous nanostructures. Nanocomposites consisting of V2O5 and different carbonaceous supports, e.g., amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, are also investigated. The cation-doped V2O5 samples as the cathode material for LIBs are briefly discussed as well. The aim of this review is to provide an in-depth and rational understanding of how the electrochemical properties of V2O5-based cathodes can be effectively enhanced by achieving proper nanostructures with optimized chemical composition.