Multiscale modulation of vanadium oxides via one-step facile reduction to synergistically boost zinc-ion battery performance

Vanadium oxides are considered as one of the most promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, the bulk morphology and strong electrostatic interaction between divalent Zn2+ and host materials inevitably cause an ultra-long activation process and poor performance. To address these issues, multiscale modification of commercial bulk V2O5 was developed herein, which simultaneously optimized the valence states, interlayer spacing, and macrostructure in a facile one-step reduction process, resulting in a novel accordion-like V10O24 center dot 12H(2)O. The synergistic effect of polyvalent vanadium, large interlayer spacing of 14.2 angstrom, and unique open structure endowed V10O24 center dot 12H(2)O with high electronic conductivity, rapid ion diffusion channels, and stable structure. A high specific capacity of 306.9 mA h g(-1) and long durability for 1000 cycles with a capacity retention up to 81% was achieved when V10O24 center dot 12H(2)O served as the cathode material for ZIBs. This multiscale modulation strategy demonstrates an effective and economical method for converting traditional vanadium oxides for use as high-performance cathodes for ZIBs.