Metallic vanadium trioxide intercalated with phase transformation for advanced aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Abstract Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have broad application prospects due to the eco-friendliness, cost-economy and high safety. However, the scarcity of high-performance cathodes with outstanding rate capability and long lifespan has affected their development. Herein, we report a metallic vanadium trioxide material intercalated with phase transformation as cathode applied in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. It offers satisfactory electrochemical performances with a high specific capacity (435 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), decent power density (5.23 kW kg−1) and desired energy density (331 Wh kg−1), as well as good cyclability. The superior performance originates from the stable structure and fast Zn2+ diffusion, enabled by the pre-intercalation of Zn2+ and water molecules.