Hierarchical Flower-Like VS2 Nanosheets Cathode for High-Performance Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries

Abstract

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are an attractive alternative to lithium-ion batteries because of their superior safety and inexpensive price. However, the main challenge faced by ZIBs is the search for high-capacity materials that can hold large-diameter Zn ions. Herein, hierarchical flower-like VS2 nanosheets are synthesized as high-performance anode materials for ZIBs. The special hierarchical flower-like structure and morphology afford a large contact area and short Zn2+ ion diffusion distance. Therefore, VS2 nanosheets displays a reversible specific capacity (218.3 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and stable cyclic stability (87.7% capacity retention). VS2 nanosheets have a superior electrochemical performance, enabling a novel design approach for other ZIBs cathode materials.