Layered structural Zn2Mo3O8 as electrode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) with high specific capacity reveal potential as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for low cost and safety in large-scale sustainable energy storage devices. Herein, we introduce the promising candidate of layered structural Zn2Mo3O8 as the cathode material for AZIBs. Carbon-coated Zn2Mo3O8 is first prepared via a simple sol-gel method, and its crystal structure and morphology are investigated in detail. The Zn2Mo3O8 electrode exhibits a good cycling stability (105 mAh g−1 for 90 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) and shows an excellent rate capability (53 mAh g−1 at a fast charging of 2 A g−1) under a wide voltage window of 0.05–1.7 V. Our work would enlighten and encourage the molybdenum-based compounds to a brand-new stage for the application of aqueous batteries.