Recent Advances in Vanadium-Based Cathode Materials for Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries: From Fundamentals to Applications

In the iterative development of novel safe energy storage technologies, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIB) have emerged as a key breakthrough alternative solution due to their abundant materials, low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, vanadium-based cathode materials face widespread challenges stemming from sluggish reaction kinetics, low conductivity, and structural instability. Thus, this paper systematically reviews recent advances in vanadium-based cathode materials for practical AZIB. First, fundamental energy storage mechanisms of vanadium-based materials are introduced to elucidate their energy storage advantages in AZIB. Second, vanadium-based materials are categorized and their synthesis methods are discussed. Third, modification strategies for vanadium-based cathodes are illustrated, including morphological engineering (from zero to three dimensional structures) and chemical engineering (e.g., pre-intercalation and defect technique). Finally, the remaining challenges and future breakthroughs are presented, ultimately advancing high-performance AZIB from laboratory to practical application. It is hoped that these in-depth comparisons and summaries will provide guidance and reference for the design and development of future high-performance zinc-ion battery cathodes.