Nano-Micro Letters, Volume. 16, Issue 1, 129(2024)

Weakly Polarized Organic Cation-Modified Hydrated Vanadium Oxides for High-Energy Efficiency Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Xiaoxiao Jia1, Chaofeng Liu2, Zhi Wang1, Di Huang1, and Guozhong Cao1、*
Author Affiliations
  • 1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
  • 2School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, People’s Republic of China
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    Vanadium oxides, particularly hydrated forms like V2O5·nH2O (VOH), stand out as promising cathode candidates for aqueous zinc ion batteries due to their adjustable layered structure, unique electronic characteristics, and high theoretical capacities. However, challenges such as vanadium dissolution, sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, and low operating voltage still hinder their direct application. In this study, we present a novel vanadium oxide ([C6H6N(CH3)3]1.08V8O20·0.06H2O, TMPA-VOH), developed by pre-inserting trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA+) cations into VOH. The incorporation of weakly polarized organic cations capitalizes on both ionic pre-intercalation and molecular pre-intercalation effects, resulting in a phase and morphology transition, an expansion of the interlayer distance, extrusion of weakly bonded interlayer water, and a substantial increase in V4+ content. These modifications synergistically reduce the electrostatic interactions between Zn2+ and the V–O lattice, enhancing structural stability and reaction kinetics during cycling. As a result, TMPA-VOH achieves an elevated open circuit voltage and operation voltage, exhibits a large specific capacity (451 mAh g–1 at 0.1 A g–1) coupled with high energy efficiency (89%), the significantly-reduced battery polarization, and outstanding rate capability and cycling stability. The concept introduced in this study holds great promise for the development of high-performance oxide-based energy storage materials.

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    Xiaoxiao Jia, Chaofeng Liu, Zhi Wang, Di Huang, Guozhong Cao. Weakly Polarized Organic Cation-Modified Hydrated Vanadium Oxides for High-Energy Efficiency Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries[J]. Nano-Micro Letters, 2024, 16(1): 129

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    Paper Information

    Category: Research Articles

    Received: Sep. 11, 2023

    Accepted: Jan. 4, 2024

    Published Online: Apr. 29, 2024

    The Author Email: Cao Guozhong (gzcao@uw.edu)

    DOI:10.1007/s40820-024-01339-y

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