Na2V6O16·3H2O Barnesite Nanorod: An Open Door to Display a Stable and High Energy for Aqueous Rechargeable Zn-Ion Batteries as Cathodes

• Published in: Nano letters Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 2402 - 2410
• Main Authors: Soundharrajan, Vaiyapuri, Sambandam, Balaji, Kim, Sungjin, Alfaruqi, Muhammad H, Putro, Dimas Yunianto, Jo, Jeonggeun, Kim, Seokhun, Mathew, Vinod, Sun, Yang-Kook, Kim, Jaekook
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 11-04-2018
• Subjects: Layer-structured metal oxide; prolonged cycle lifespan; high capacity; aqueous Zn-ion batteries; high energy
• ISSN: 1530-6984; 1530-6992
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b05403

Owing to their safety and low cost, aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries (ARZIBs) are currently more feasible for grid-scale applications, as compared to their alkali counterparts such as lithium- and sodium-ion batteries (LIBs and SIBs), for both aqueous and nonaqueous systems. However, the materials used in ARZIBs have a poor rate capability and inadequate cycle lifespan, serving as a major handicap for long-term storage applications. Here, we report vanadium-based Na2V6O16·3H2O nanorods employed as a positive electrode for ARZIBs, which display superior electrochemical Zn storage properties. A reversible Zn2+-ion (de)­intercalation reaction describing the storage mechanism is revealed using the in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique. This cathode material delivers a very high rate capability and high capacity retention of more than 80% over 1000 cycles, at a current rate of 40C (1C = 361 mA g–1). The battery offers a specific energy of 90 W h kg–1 at a specific power of 15.8 KW kg–1, enlightening the material advantages for an eco-friendly atmosphere.