Orientation effect of zinc vanadate cathode on zinc ion storage performance

N-Doping-Induced Amorphization for Achieving Ultrastable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Vanadium-based oxides, known for their high capacity and low cost, have garnered significant attention as promising cathode candidates in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Nonetheless, their poor rate performance and limited durability in aqueous electrolytes present a challenge to the realistic implementation of vanadium-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Here, we synthesized nitrogen-doped V2O3@C (N-V2O3@N-C) via ammonia treatment of V2O3@C derived from vanadium-based metal-organic framework (V-MOF), aiming to achieve outstanding rate and cycling performance. The N-V2O3@N-C electrode exhibits notable in situ self-transformation into an amorphous state. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the distorted N-V2O3 structure and uneven charge distribution result in the creation of an amorphous state. As expected, Zn/N-V2O3@N-C aqueous zinc-ion batteries can achieve remarkable specific capacity (349.0 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1), along with impressive rate performance, showcasing a capacity of 253.5 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 and exceptional durability at 5 A g-1 (96.4% after 1350 cycles). The employed induced amorphization approach offers novel perspectives for designing high-performance cathodes that exhibit both sturdy structures and extended cycling lifespans.

Mixed-Dimensional (2D/3D/3D) Heterostructured Vanadium Oxide with Rich Oxygen Vacancies for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries with High Capacity and Long Cycling Life

Heterostructure engineering and oxygen vacancy engineering are the most promising modification strategies to reinforce the Zn2+ ion storage of vanadium oxides. Herein, a rare mixed-dimensional material (VOx), composed of V2O5 (2D), V3O7 (3D), and V6O13 (3D) heterostructures, rich in oxygen vacancies, was synthesized via thermal decomposition of layered ammonium vanadate. The VOx cathode provides an exceptional discharge capacity (411 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1) and superior cycling stability (the capacity retention remains close to 100% after 800 cycles at 2 A g-1) for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Ex situ characterizations confirm that the byproduct Zn3V2O7(OH)2·nH2O is generated/decomposed during discharge/charge processes. Furthermore, VOx demonstrates reversible intercalation/deintercalation of H+/Zn2+ ions, enabling efficient energy storage. Remarkably, a reversible crystal-to-amorphous transformation in the V2O5 phase of VOx during charge-discharge was observed. This investigation reveals that mixed-dimensional heterostructured vanadium oxide, with abundant oxygen vacancies, serves as a highly promising electrode material for AZIBs, further advancing the comprehension of the storage mechanism within vanadium-based cathode materials.

In-situ electrochemical conversion of Na5V12O32@graphene for enhanced cycle stability in aqueous zinc ion batteries

HYPOTHESIS

Na5V12O32 (NVO) is a potential cathode for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). However, it suffers severe capacity decay due to the dissolution of the active material. The structural design may be an effective solution to the problem.

EXPERIMENTS

Herein, we construct a typical two-dimensional hierarchical structure of Na5V12O32@graphene (NVO@G) via a facile molten salt method.

FINDINGS

The capacity fading problem is solved by the in-situ conversion of NVO@G to a more stable hierarchical system during cycling. The in-situ formed zinc pyrovanadate (Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O, ZVO) nanosheets on the surface of graphene exhibits excellent zinc-ion storage stability. The presence of graphene induces the growth of NVO nanobelts to construct the typical two-dimensional hierarchical structure. Additionally, the in-situ conversion makes the formed ZVO nanosheets contact with graphene better. Benefitting from the hierarchical nanostructure and in-situ phase conversion, the NVO@G electrode shows excellent long-term stability (96.4% retention after 340 cycles at 0.3 A g-1, 85.7% retention after 4400 cycles at 5 A g-1) and high zinc ion storage capacity (220 mAh g-1 at 0.3 A g-1), which is superior to those of most electrode materials previously reported.

Corrosion as the origin of limited lifetime of vanadium oxide-based aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc ion batteries are receiving increasing attention for large-scale energy storage systems owing to their attractive features with respect to safety, cost, and scalability. Although vanadium oxides with various compositions have been demonstrated to store zinc ions reversibly, their limited cyclability especially at low current densities and their poor calendar life impede their widespread practical adoption. Herein, we reveal that the electrochemically inactive zinc pyrovanadate (ZVO) phase formed on the cathode surface is the main cause of the limited sustainability. Moreover, the formation of ZVO is closely related to the corrosion of the zinc metal counter electrode by perturbing the pH of the electrolyte. Thus, the dissolution of VO₂(OH)₂⁻, the source of the vanadium in the ZVO, is no longer prevented. The proposed amalgamated Zn anode improves the cyclability drastically by blocking the corrosion at the anode, verifying the importance of pH control and the interplay between both electrodes.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries are good systems for large-scale energy storage. Here, the authors report that the corrosion of zinc metal anode is the origin of limited lifetime of vanadium oxide-based aqueous zinc ion batteries, and supressing corrosion improves the calendar and cycle lifetime markedly.