V2O5/mesoporous carbon composite has been prepared by an ultrasonically assisted method followed by a sintering process. The as-prepared V2O5/mesoporous carbon material containing 90 wt% V2O5 shows better electrochemical performance, with capacity of 163 mA h g (1) after 100 cycles at the current density of 500 mA g (1), as well as better charge/discharge rate capability for lithium storage than V2O5 nanoparticles. The improved electrochemical performance indicates that the V2O5/mesoporous carbon composite could be used as a promising cathode material for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.