Enhanced electrochemical performance of a selectively formed V2O3/C composite structure for Li-ion batteries

•V2O3 and V2O3/C were selectively synthesized.•V2O3/C showed a uniform microsphere and uniform coating of carbon on V2O3.•V2O3/C showed the improved electrochemical performance in LIBs.•The improved performance might be attributed to a carbon network. The electrochemical performance of V2O3 as an anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is quite good but it is very difficult to compete with Si/C composites. Because its intrinsic electrical conductivity and volumetric expansion during charging/discharging limit its applications as an anode in LIBs. In this study, microspherical V2O3 anode samples were prepared using a facile synthesis procedure such as the solvothermal method and heating process. Furthermore, a composite sample comprising V2O3 and carbon (V2O3/C) could be selectively prepared in the absence of ethanol washing and centrifugation. In particular, compared to a commercial V2O3 and V2O3, the V2O3/C anode exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance, i.e., rate performance (230 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, 180 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1), cycling properties (508 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for 100 cycles), and high retention (~100%). [Display omitted]