In situ constructing amorphous V2O5@Ti3C2Tx heterostructure for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

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. • 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.