Enhanced zinc ion storage performance of V2O5 center dot nH(2)O prepared by hydrothermal method with the assistance of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate

V2O5 center dot nH(2)O is an attractive cathode material for aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, layered structure, and large interlayer distance. However, it suffers sluggish Zn2+ diffusivity, poor rate capability, and the collapse of lamellar structure during cycling, which severely limits its practical application. In this work, a NaxV(2)O(5)center dot nH(2)O (VO-SDBS) sample is synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method with the XRD, SEM, and XPS. The electrochemical property of the samples is examined by CV, EIS, charge-discharge test, and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) measurement. The SDBS plays the role of Na+ source and structure directing agent. Due to the 3D interweaved nanofiber-like morphology and the stabilizing effect of pre-intercalated Na+, the as-prepared VO-SDBS sample exhibits an outstanding rate capability (maintaining a specific capacity of 88 mA h g (-1) even at an ultra-high current density of 20.0 A g(-1)), superior cyclability (with a reversible capacity of 223 mA h g(-1)after 3000 cycles at 5.0 A g(-1) ), and enhanced Zn2+ diffusivity. This work provides a simple and effective strategy to enhance the zinc ion storage properties of V2O5 center dot nH(2)O from the aspects of morphology control and metal cation pre-intercalation.

Automated summary

A NaxV(2)O(5)center dot nH(2)O (VO-SDBS) sample with outstanding electrochemical performance is synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. It exhibits excellent rate capability, superior cyclability, and enhanced zinc ion diffusivity.