Sun, J., Yang, J., Zhang, Y., Sun, J., Feng, Z., Hu, T., Yuan, H., Liu, J., Meng, C., Zhang, Y.-W., Wang, J. (2025). Reduced graphene oxide pre-intercalation enables double-sided Zn2+ storage between VO Layers in V2O5∙nH2O. Energy Storage Materials, 83, 104696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2025.104696
Abstract:
Vanadium oxides (VOs) are recognized as a class of promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries owing to their relatively open crystal structure and variable vanadium valence states, offering Zn ion intercalation/de-intercalation upon de-charge/charge cycling. However, their structural instability and limited population of Zn2+ storage sites during electrochemical cycling remain among the critical challenges. In this study, a novel reduced graphene oxide pre-intercalation strategy is developed to raise the population of Zn2+ storage sites and enhance the electrochemical performance, while stabilize the VOH framework. This new strategy expands the interlayer spacing up to 2.00 nm, induces a dual-side Zn2+ storage mechanism between the VO layers, and at the same time optimizes the charge transport pathways. The resulting layered-nanocomposite, denoted as GV, integrates reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers within the VOH matrix, significantly increases oxygen active sites and boosts the rapid Zn2+ ion desolation and diffusion kinetics. Our theoretical calculations reveal that the robust interactions between the Zn2+ and the modulated VOH framework underpin both the electrochemical performance and structural stability. Remarkably, GV delivers an impressive specific capacity of 548 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and retains a specific capacity of 452 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, demonstrating the exceptional scalability and stability for practical applications. This study provides a new approach to design advanced layered cathode materials, offering new insights into the structural engineering for high performance zinc-ion batteries.
License type:
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - EURIPIDES- innovative Electrocatalysts based on quantUm mateRIals for the sustainable ProductIon of hyDrogen by ElectrolysiS
Grant Reference no. : R23101R040
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR, Science and Engineering Council - Central research fund
Grant Reference no. : NA