Amorphous vanadium pentoxide (a-V2O5) samples used for lithium rechargeable batteries were prepared from crystalline vanadium pentoxide (c-V2O5) by a melt-quenching method. Impacts of the concentration ratio of deionized water on c-V2O5 (A), calcination temperature (B), calcination time (C), and agitation time (D) on the electrochemical properties of the resultant a-V2O5 were investigated using an orthogonal array design. Interactions between these parameters were also considered. As a result of this study, 25 mL/g for A, 750 degrees C for B, 15 min for C, and 48 h for D were defined conclusively as the optimum preparative conditions. Positive electrodes for Li rechargeable batteries based on these optimum conditions led to experimental cells with significantly higher discharge capacity and improved cycling performance. (c) 2005 The Electrochemical Society.