Vanadium Oxides with Amorphous-Crystalline Heterointerface Network for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Rechargeable aqueous batteries are crucial for large-scale energy storage.
• Challenges include slow zinc-ion diffusion and unclear structure-property relationships in zinc-vanadium oxide systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel vanadium oxide electrode with enhanced electrochemical performance for aqueous zinc batteries.
• To elucidate the structure-property correlations governing the improved performance.

Main Methods:

• Electrodeposition of vanadium oxide nanobelts (VO-E) with a disordered structure.
• Comprehensive structural analysis using advanced techniques.
• Electrochemical testing for capacity, rate, and cycling performance.
• Theoretical calculations to understand ion diffusion and adsorption mechanisms.

Main Results:

• VO-E electrodes achieved high capacities (≈5 mAh cm⁻², 516 mAh g⁻¹), good rate capability, and cycling stability.
• The electrode structure features integrated amorphous-crystalline nanoscale domains forming a heterointerface network.
• Theoretical calculations confirmed favorable cation adsorption and reduced ion diffusion barriers in the amorphous-crystalline heterostructure.

Conclusions:

• The disordered amorphous-crystalline heterostructure of VO-E is key to its superior electrochemical properties.
• This design significantly enhances charge carrier mobility and electrochemical activity.
• The findings offer a promising strategy for advancing aqueous zinc battery technology.