Aqueous zinc-ion batteries based on a 2D layered Bi2Te3 cathode

Abstract

Recently, metal chalcogenides (MCS) with high conductivity, natural abundance and stable structure are kind of the potential cathode materials of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, compared with manganese based and vanadium based cathode materials, there are few studies and reports on MCS in the field of ZIBs. Here, for the first time, 2D layered Bi2Te3 nanosheets were used as cathode to construct a novel aqueous Bi2Te3/zinc battery. A series of experiments and calculations in this work have verified that Bi2Te3 nanosheets are excellent cathode material for ZIBs. Thanks to robust structure, good electronic conductivity and low zinc ion diffusion energy barrier of Bi2Te3 nanosheets, the aqueous Bi2Te3/zinc battery exhibits a large reversible capacity of 413.2 mAh/g (0.4 A/g) and long lifespan of 1500 cycles (77% retention at 2 A/g) in 2 M ZnSO4 electrolyte. Besides, the quasi-solid-state Bi2Te3/zinc battery shows excellent rate performance and high thermal stability (works well in a high temperature environment of 70 ℃). This work provides enlightenment for the development of advanced cathode materials for new generation of ZIBs with high performance, safety and stability.