Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Ag₀.₃₃₃V₂O₅–V₂O₅ core–shell nanobelts for rechargeable lithium batteries

Ag₀.₃₃₃V₂O₅–V₂O₅ core–shell nanobelts have been synthesized by a facile homogeneous reaction between peroxovanadic acid and AgNO₃ under hydrothermal conditions. The formation of Ag₀.₃₃₃V₂O₅–V₂O₅ core–shell nanobelts is time dependent: Ag₀.₃₃₃V₂O₅ nanobelts are formed firstly, and then V₂O₅ grows on the Ag₀.₃₃₃V₂O₅ surfaces. The core–shell nanobelts exhibit stable lithium-ion intercalation/deintercalation reversibility and deliver specific discharge capacities of around 276.4mAhg⁻¹ after 50cycles at a rate of 0.25Ag⁻¹. The value is lowered to 228mAhg⁻¹ at 0.5Ag⁻¹, and 147.2mAhg⁻¹ at 0.75Ag⁻¹. The good electrochemical properties of Ag₀.₃₃₃V₂O₅–V₂O₅ core–shell nanobelts make them a promising candidate as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries.