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The hierarchical 3D a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x microsphere with impressive Zn2+ storage ability is prepared by a simple spray drying method. [Display omitted] • The hierarchical 3D a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x microsphere was prepared by a simple spray drying method. • The amorphous V 2 O 5 endows abundant active sites for Zn2+ storage and alleviates Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets restacking. • The presence of outstanding conductivity MXene framework enhances the conductivity and reaction kinetics. • The 3D a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x exhibits ultrahigh reversible capacity, superior rate performance and splendid cycling stability. As candidates of the next generation batteries, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have drawn widespread attention owing to the advantages of environmental friendliness, low cost and ultrahigh theoretical capacity. In order to obtain superior zinc ions (Zn2+) storage ability, the cathode materials with eminent electrochemical property are placed great expectations. Herein, the hierarchical 3D a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x microsphere is prepared by a simple spray drying process. In the heterostructure, the amorphous V 2 O 5 not only endows abundant active sites for Zn2+ storage but also effectively alleviates Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets restacking. Meanwhile, the presence of conductive Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene framework significantly enhances the conductivity and reaction kinetics of the electrode material. As a result, the 3D a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x exhibits an impressive Zn2+ storage ability, including the high reversible capacity (604 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), the superior rate performance and the splendid cycling stability. Furthermore, the relevant mechanism is illustrated via various characterizations. Moreover, the as-fabricated pouch ZIBs based on the 3D a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x displays a potential practical application prospect as flexible energy storage devices. Hence, this work may provide an inspiration for the rational design of high performance ZIBs cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries are emerged as fascinating "beyond Li-ion" battery technologies for large-scale energy storage due to low cost, high theoretical capacity, high safety and environmental friendliness. However, developing cathode materials with outstanding electrochemical performance are prerequisites. Herein, the a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x heterostructure is prepared by in situ incorporating amorphous V 2 O 5 with Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene to enhance the rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries performance. Benefitting from the distinctive amorphous structure of a-V 2 O 5 , outstanding conductivity of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene and the strong synergistic effect between two components, the a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x heterostructure presents isotropic ion diffusion paths, plentiful ion storage sites and splendid conductivity. As a consequence, the a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x heterostructure displays excellent specific capacity of 544 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and outstanding rate performance. Particularly, even at a fairly high current density of 30 A g−1, the a-V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x heterostructure shows an impressive specific capacity of 135 mAh g−1 along with about 100% coulombic efficiency after 1000 cycles. Furthermore, the mechanism related is expounded via comprehensive characterizations. Therefore, this work offers a way for developing high-performance vanadium-based cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • Amorphous V 2 O 5 @Ti 3 C 2 T x was fabricated via a simple in situ synthetic method. • Synergistic effect amorphous V 2 O 5 and Ti 3 C 2 T x endows fascinating properties. • The cathode presents outstanding specific capacity and cycling stability. • The mechanisms involved were elucidated via comprehensive characterizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]