Electrospun V2O5 nanofibers as high-capacity cathode materials for zinc-ion batteries

• A facile electrospinning method is used to produce V 2 O 5 nanofibers. • V 2 O 5 nanofibers cathodes provide up to 357 mA h g −1 in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. • Zn 2+ intercalation affects structure and electrochemical properties of electrodes. • The electrodes show remarkable capacity after 500 charge–discharge cycles. Vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) has attracted significant attention in recent years as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Its unique layered structure allows for reversible intercalation of various multivalent ions, including Zn 2+ . This paper proposes a sol–gel electrospinning method for preparation of vanadium pentoxide nanofibers, followed by thermal treatment in air. The composition and structure of the obtained powders were verified by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while the morphology of the samples was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties and performance of the electrode materials based on V 2 O 5 nanofibers were studied using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. V 2 O 5 electrodes demonstrate high specific capacity (357 mA h g −1 at 0.05 A g −1 ) and good long-term cyclic stability.