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Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) with a NASICON structure serves as one of the most promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to its stable crystal structure and fast ion mobility. Nevertheless, its electrochemical properties are still unsatisfactory because of its poor electrical conductivity. A simple hydrothermal method is used to prepare carbon-coated NVP (NVP-C) and N/S co-doped carbon-coated NVP (NVP-C-NS) composites. The results demonstrate that the NVP-C-NS composite exhibits superior capacity and rate capability. After 100 cycles at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, the reversible capacity of the NVP-C-NS composite can reach 115 mA h g−1, while pure NVP-C is capable of achieving only 83 mA h g−1 at the same current density, and 94.8% of the capacity of the NVP-C-NS composite and only 90% of the NVP-C material are retained. The excellent electrochemical performance of the NVP-C-NS composite is mainly due to the high carbon content (13.08 wt% vs. NVP-C with 4.8 wt%.) and high conductivity (3.72 × 10−4 S cm−1vs. NVP-C with 1.20 × 10−4 S cm−1). The introduction of more active sites and defects after N/S doping and the increased specific surface area can provide a larger electrochemical contact surface for electrochemical reactions. Furthermore, the practicality of the NVP-C-NS//Zn battery is evaluated by lighting up LED bulbs. This work provides a reference for the development of Na3V2(PO4)3 as a cathode material for AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new mitochondrion targetable molecular probe for carbon monoxide (CO)-specific detection based on palladium-free mediated opening of spirolactam was designed. The turn-on red fluorescence caused by CO enables a safe and powerful method for unravelling the function of CO in biological systems to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]