Facile synthesis of V2O3@C nanoribbons by rapid cooling method for high-capacity zinc-ion batteries cathode

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have recently gained considerable attention due to their low price and great safety properties. However, the challenge of preparing high-performance cathode materials and developing low-cost, efficient preparation methods still demands urgent solutions. Herein, this paper proposes the use of a rapid cooling method to prepare V2O3@C cathode materials with excellent overall electrochemical performance for ZIBs. Utilizing low-cost ammonium metavanadate as the raw material and melamine as a binding agent, dispersed molecules facilitate the rapid creation of V-based nanoribbon precursors within just 1 h at a low temperature. After the annealing process, the obtained V2O3@C nanoribbons exhibit a unique structural architecture with a V2O3 covered by carbon, providing enhanced structural stability and electric conductivity. In contrast to the commercial V2O3 cathode, the V2O3@C cathode exhibits remarkably improved electrochemical characteristics, including enhanced specific capacity (41 % increase), extended cycle stability (capacity retention of 63 % after 15,000 cycles), and improved rate capability (53 % capacity retention at 10 A g−1). Additionally, the zinc storage mechanism of the V2O3@C cathode was systematically investigated. This facile synthesis method, coupled with the outstanding electrochemical performance, highlights the potential of V2O3@C cathode as a promising candidate for high-capacity cathodes in next-generation ZIBs.