A one-step synthesis of V2O5 was directly achieved via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis at various synthesis temperatures ranging from 500 to 700 degrees C. The V2O5 prepared at 500 degrees C is dense and spherical nanostructured particles, which consist of primary particles with a size of approximately 100 nm. The morphology change remarkably progresses with increasing synthesis temperatures from 500 to 700 degrees C. The electrochemical performance of a cathode comprising dense and spherical nanostructured V2O5 particles prepared at 500 degrees C was investigated by galvanostatic discharge-charge cycling and cyclic voltammetry. From the discharge-charge cycling, the initial discharge capacity of the cathode was found to be about 403 mAh g(-1) in the potential range of 1.5-4.0 V, but it decreased owing to inherent phase changes with repeated cycling. The potential range significantly affects the cycle performance, and the V2O5 cathode showed good cycle performance in the potential range of 2.5-4.0 V. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.