Unleashing Vanadium-Based Compounds for High-Energy Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are poised as a promising solution for large-scale energy storage and portable electronic applications. Their appeal lies in their affordability, abundant materials, high safety standards, acceptable energy density, and eco-friendliness. Vanadium-based compounds stand out as potential cathode materials due to their versatile phases and variable crystal structures, empowering design flexibility to affect the theoretical capacity. However, challenges, such as V dissolution and substantial capacity degradation, have hindered their widespread use. Recent breakthroughs in crafting innovative V-based materials for aqueous ZIBs, by preintercalating guest species, have significantly bolstered structural stability and facilitated faster charge migration, leading to enhanced capacity and stable cycling. This review delves into the latest advancements in vanadium-based cathodes with preintercalated guest species, examining their altered crystal structures and the mechanisms involved in Zn²⁺ ion storage. It also investigates how different guest materials within these cathodes impact the electrochemical capacity. Additionally, this assessment identifies key obstacles impeding progress and proposes potential solutions while also anticipating the future trajectory of aqueous ZIBs. These insights are invaluable to researchers and manufacturers alike, offering a roadmap for commercialization.