Proton Intercalation/De-Intercalation Dynamics in Vanadium Oxides for Aqueous Aluminum Electrochemical Cells

Understanding cation (H⁺ , Li⁺ , Na⁺ , Al³⁺ , etc.) intercalation/de-intercalation chemistry in transition metal compounds is crucial for the design of cathode materials in aqueous electrochemical cells. Here we report that orthorhombic vanadium oxides (V₂ O₅ ) supports highly reversible proton intercalation/de-intercalation reactions in aqueous media, enabling aluminum electrochemical cells with extended cycle life. Empirical analyses using vibrational and x-ray spectroscopy are complemented with theoretical analysis of the electrostatic potential to establish how and why protons intercalate in V₂ O₅ in aqueous media. We show further that cathode coatings composed of cation selective membranes provide a straightforward method for enhancing cathode reversibility by preventing anion cross-over in aqueous electrolytes. Our work sheds light on the design of cation transport requirements for high-energy reversible cathodes in aqueous electrochemical cells.