<p>Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have emerged as research hotspots in energy storage due to their safety and low cost. Layered V₂O₅ cathodes have high theoretical capacity and favorable Zn²⁺ intercalation structure but suffer from structural dissolution and collapse during cycling. This study used Mn and Li dual doping. Structural characterization showed it expanded V₂O₅ interlayer spacing (from 12.2 Å to 13.1 Å), enhanced mixed valence ratio and oxygen vacancies, optimizing electron conduction and Zn²⁺ diffusion. Electrochemical tests revealed 88% capacity retention (255 mAh g^− 1) after 1500 cycles at 4&#xa0;A g^− 1, and 126 mAh g^− 1 at 8&#xa0;A g^− 1, superior to pristine V₂O₅. CV and EIS showed pseudocapacitive-dominated storage, with Zn²⁺ diffusion coefficient (2.72 × 10^− 11 cm² s^− 1) 34-fold higher. This provided a strategy for high-stability aqueous zinc-ion batteries cathodes.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>