Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of the Orthorhombic V2O5•nH2O Nanorods as Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries offer the greatest promise as an alternative technology for low-cost and high-safety energy storage. However, the development of high-performance cathode materials and their compatibility with aqueous electrolytes are major obstacles to their practical applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of orthorhombic V2O5 center dot nH(2)O nanorods as cathodes for aqueous zinc batteries. As a result, the electrode delivers a reversible capacity as high as 320 mAh g(-1) at 1.0 A g(-1) and long-term cycling stability in a wide window of 0.2 to 1.8 V using a mild ZnSO4 aqueous electrolyte. The superior performance can be attributed to the improved stability of materials, inhibited electrolyte decomposition and facilitated charge transfer kinetics of such materials for aqueous zinc storage. Furthermore, a full cell using microsized Zn powder as an anode within capacity-balancing design exhibits high capacity and stable cycling performance, proving the feasibility of these materials for practical application.

Automated summary

In this study, orthorhombic V2O5 · nH(2)O nanorods were synthesized as cathodes for aqueous zinc batteries. The electrode showed high reversible capacity and long-term cycling stability in a mild electrolyte solution. The improved stability of materials, inhibited electrolyte decomposition, and facilitated charge transfer kinetics were the reasons for the superior performance. Furthermore, a full cell using these materials in a capacity-balancing design exhibited high capacity and stable cycling performance.