Organically modified vanadium pentoxide as cathode for aqueous zinc ion batteries

Abstract

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted a lot of attention due to its environment-friendly, safe, easy to assemble, low-cost, and high capacity. Among the various ZIBs cathode materials, vanadium-based oxides have shown great potential for inexpensive, highly safe, spacious ion transport channels and excellent electrochemical performance. Despite these promises, the development of aqueous ZIBs is still hindered by irreversible formation of by-products, low electronic conductivity, sluggish Zn-ion diffusion, and poor structural stability. This study developed a high performance pre-inserted acetone hydrated vanadium pentoxide (AVOH) by modifying the vanadium pentoxide structure through hydrothermal process. As a result, the obtained Zn/AVOH batteries possess a higher capacity of 428 mA h g-1 at 50 mA g-1 and an impressive rate capability with 60 % capacity maintained when the current density increased from 0.5 to 8.0 A g-1, showing promising application as aqueous ZIBs.