Search

Lithium supply shortages have prompted the search for alternatives to widespread grid system applications. Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have emerged to promising candidates for this purpose. Nonetheless, the large radius of K+ (1.38 Å) impedes the march of satisfactory cathode materials. Here, we used solid-phase synthesis to prepare a layered K0.37MnO2·0.25H2O (KMO) cathode, comprising alternately connected MnO6 octahedra with a large interlayer spacing (0.71 nm) to accommodate the migration and transport of K+ ions. The cathode material achieved initial specific capacities of 102.3 and 88.1 mA h g−1 at current densities of 60 mA g−1 and 1 A g−1, respectively. The storage mechanism of K+ ions in PIBs was demonstrated ex situ using x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Overall, our proposed KMO was confirmed as an auspicious cathode material for potential use in PIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the performance of the self-standing electrode has been enhanced for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), it is necessary to explore and analyse the deep modification mechanism (especially interface effects). Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are applied to investigate the high-performance cathode based on the VO2/carbon cloth composites with heterostructures interface (H-VO2@CC). The adsorption energy comparisons and electron structure analyses verify that H-VO2@CC has extra activated sites at the interface, enhanced electrical conductivity, and structural stability for achieving high-performance AZIBs due to the presence of built-in electric field at the interfaces. Accordingly, the designed self-standing H-VO2@CC cathode delivers higher rate capacity, longer-life cyclability, and faster electronic/ion transmission kinetics benefiting from the synergistic effects. The risks of active material shedding and dissolution during the dis/charge process of two cathodes were evaluated via ex-situ ultraviolet—visible (UV-vis) spectrum and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) technique. Finally, this investigation also explores the charge storage mechanism of H-VO2@CC through various ex-situ and in-situ characterization techniques. This finding can shed light on the significant potential of heterostructures interface engineering in practical applications and provide a valuable direction for the development of cathode materials for AZIBs and other metal-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited availability of cathode materials with high specific capacity and significant cycling stability for aqueous K‐ion batteries (AKIBs) hinder their further development owing to the large radius of K+ (1.38 Å). Prussian blue and its analogs with a three‐dimensional frame structure possessing special energy storage mechanism are promising candidates as cathode materials for AKIBs. In this study, K0.2Ni0.68Co0.77Fe(CN)6 ⋅ 1.8H2O (KNCHCF) was prepared as a cathode material for AKIBs. Both the electrochemical activity of Co ions and the near‐pseudocapacitance intercalation of KNCHCF enhance K+ storage. Therefore, KNCHCF exhibits a superior capacity maintenance rate of 86 % after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 3.0 A g−1. The storage mechanism of K+ in AKIBs was revealed through ex situ X‐ray diffraction, ex situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Moreover, the assembled K−Zn hybrid battery showed good cycling stability with 93.1 % capacity maintenance at 0.1 A g−1 after 50 cycles and a high energy density of 96.81 W h kg−1. Hence, KNCHCF may be a potential material for the development of AKIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have garnered widespread attention as a new large-scale energy storage candidate owing to their low cost and high theoretical capacity. Because of the unique divalent state of Zn2+ and the existence of a strong electrostatic repulsion phenomenon, researchers are currently focusing on how to prepare high-performance cathode materials. In this study, we synthesized aluminum vanadate (AlV3O9) as a cathode material for AZIBs using a solvothermal method. Al3+ acted as a pillar in the resultant structure and stabilized it. Furthermore, this large interlayer spacing enhanced the ion diffusion coefficient and accelerated the ion transport process. Because of these advantages, the AlV3O9 (AVO) cathode exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, including a high capacity of 421.0 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and a stable rate capability of 348.2 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1. Moreover, it exhibited a specific capacity of 202 mA h g−1 even at a high current density of 3 A g−1 (the capacity retention rate reached 84.38% after 1600 cycles). The prepared ZIBs presented a high power density of 366.6 W kg−1 at an energy density of 286 W h kg−1. These extraordinary results indicate the great application potential of AVO as a cathode material for AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VO2 generally has a higher theoretical capacity and layered structure suitable for the intercalation/extraction of zinc ions. However, Zn2+ ions with high charge density interact with the crystal lattice and limit further improvement in electrochemical performance. Defect engineering is a potential modification method with very promising application prospects, but the established procedures for preparing defects are complicated. In this study, VO2–x(B) with oxygen deficiency is prepared by a simple solution reaction with NaBH4. The presence of oxygen deficiencies is confirmed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, UV/Vis absorbance spectroscopy and others. Owing to the presence of oxygen defects, the aqueous Zn/VO2–x(B) battery exhibits improved specific capacity, excellent reversibility, and structural stability. Ex situ characterization techniques are employed to demonstrate the reversible insertion‐extraction mechanism of Zn2+ ions from and into the host material. In addition, the Zn/VO2–x(B) batteries still exhibit considerable electrochemical performance, even with high‐loading electrodes (about 4 mg cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]