Multiscale modulation of vanadium oxides via one-step facile reduction to synergistically boost zinc-ion battery performance

Abstract

Vanadium oxides are considered as one of the most promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, the bulk morphology and strong electrostatic interaction between divalent Zn²⁺ and host materials inevitably cause an ultra-long activation process and poor performance. To address these issues, multiscale modification of commercial bulk V₂O₅ was developed herein, which simultaneously optimized the valence states, interlayer spacing, and macrostructure in a facile one-step reduction process, resulting in a novel accordion-like V₁₀O₂₄·12H₂O. The synergistic effect of polyvalent vanadium, large interlayer spacing of 14.2 Å, and unique open structure endowed V₁₀O₂₄·12H₂O with high electronic conductivity, rapid ion diffusion channels, and stable structure. A high specific capacity of 306.9 mA h g⁻¹ and long durability for 1000 cycles with a capacity retention up to 81% was achieved when V₁₀O₂₄·12H₂O served as the cathode material for ZIBs. This multiscale modulation strategy demonstrates an effective and economical method for converting traditional vanadium oxides for use as high-performance cathodes for ZIBs.