Bilayered V2O5 center dot nH(2)O is regarded as a universal host for metal ions and thus applicable to metal batteries. The achievable capacity is strongly related with material morphology and structure. Herein we report a modified aerogel synthesis involving a sonication step yielding to a faster gel formation. Doped sono-aerogel are prepared adding Ni and Mn (from 1 to 10 mol%) during the hydrolysis of the precursor. XAS analysis reveals that the dopants are both divalent and reside in the space between the V2O5 bilayers. The doped sono-aerogels display different morphology and improved electrochemical performance respect to the un-doped counterpart.