Zn-doped NiMoO4 enhances the performance of electrode materials in aqueous rechargeable NiZn batteries

Abstract

In this work, zinc was introduced to prepare Ni_1−xZn_xMoO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanoflake electrodes to increase the energy density and improve the cycling stability for a wider range of applications of aqueous rechargeable nickel–zinc (NiZn) batteries. This was achieved using a facile hydrothermal method followed by thermal annealing, which can be easily scaled up for mass production. Owing to the unique nanoflake structures, improved conductivity, and tunable electronic interaction, excellent electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance and reliable cycling stability can be achieved. When the Zn doping is 25%, the Ni_0.75Zn_0.25MoO₄ nanoflake electrode displays a high specific capacitance of 345.84 mA h g⁻¹ (2490 F g⁻¹) at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ and improved cycling stability at a high current density of 10 A g⁻¹. NiZn cells assembled with Ni_0.75Zn_0.25MoO₄ nanoflake electrodes and zinc electrodes have a maximum specific capacity of 344.7 mA h g⁻¹ and an energy density of 942.53 W h kg⁻¹. This design strategy for nickel-based electrode materials enables high-performance energy storage and opens up more possibilities for other battery systems in the future.