Self-standing flexible cathode of V₂O₅ nanobelts with high cycling stability for lithium-ion batteries

Self-standing V₂O₅ nanobelt electrode free of binders, conductive carbon or current collectors was successfully prepared via a simple one-step hydrothermal reaction. The length of V₂O₅ 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.