Protective CaSO₄-Rich Interphase in Dual-Intercalated Vanadium-Based Cathodes for Zinc-Ion Battery Performance...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) face challenges like interfacial instability, material dissolution, and poor kinetics, hindering practical use.
• Vanadium oxide cathodes are promising but require stabilization for high-performance applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual-functional stabilization strategy for vanadium oxide cathodes in AZIBs.
• To enhance structural stability, reaction kinetics, and long-term cycling performance of AZIBs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Ca2+/Na+ co-inserted CaNaVO electrodes.
• Optimization of electrolyte composition with trace SO4 2-.
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to assess material properties.

Main Results:

• CaNaVO electrodes exhibit improved structural stability and reaction kinetics.
• In situ formation of a CaSO4-rich interphase layer enhances interfacial and bulk stability.
• The CaNaVO||Zn cell achieved over 20,000 cycles with 87.4% capacity retention at 10 A g-1.
• Exceptional areal capacity and cycle life demonstrated under high mass loading.
• Effective operation with a low-concentration (2 m) electrolyte.

Conclusions:

• The dual-functional stabilization strategy significantly improves the performance and durability of AZIBs.
• This approach offers a cost-effective solution for high-performance AZIBs.
• The study presents an innovative method for advancing AZIB technology.