Amorphization Boost Multi-Ions Storage for High-Performance Aqueous Batteries

Regarding the complex properties of various cations, the design of aqueous batteries that can simultaneously store multi-ions with high capacity and satisfactory rate performance is a great challenge. Here an amorphization strategy to boost cation-ion storage capacities of anode materials is reported. In monovalent (H+, Li+, K+), divalent (Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+) and even trivalent (Al3+) aqueous electrolytes, the capacity of the resulting amorphous MoOx is more than quadruple than that of crystalline MoOx and exceeds those of other reported multiple-ion storage materials. Both experimental and theoretical calculations reveal the generation of ample active sites and isotropic ions in the amorphous phase, which accelerates cation migration within the electrode bulk. Amorphous MoOx can be coupled with multi-ion storage cathodes to realize electrochemical energy storage devices with different carriers, promising high energy and power densities. The power density exceeded 15000 W kg(-1), demonstrating the great potential of amorphous MoOx in advanced aqueous batteries.

Automated summary

This study reports an amorphization strategy to increase the cation-ion storage capacity of anode materials, where the capacity of amorphous MoOx is more than four times that of crystalline MoOx in monovalent, divalent, and even trivalent aqueous electrolytes. Experimental and theoretical calculations reveal the generation of ample active sites and isotropic ions in the amorphous phase, which facilitates cation migration within the electrode bulk. Amorphous MoOx can be coupled with multi-ion storage cathodes to achieve high energy and power densities in electrochemical energy storage devices.