The V2O5 particles were synthesized in presence of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [emiml[Tf2N], and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethane sulfonate [emim] [TfO] ionic liquids (IL). Comparative experiments were conducted with heating and without use of IL. As-synthesized, as well as 400 degrees C/4 h heated V2O5 were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, high resolution scanning electron microscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction characterization. Particles morphology, as well as crystallinity, was influenced due to use of IL under ultrasonic irradiation. Formation of nano/micro rods increased with the use of bulky anion based IL-[emim][Tf2N]. The V2O5 particles synthesized by IL assisted sonochemical method indicated enhanced performance for degradation of methylene blue as well as for phenol. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.