Highly Stable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Storage Using a Layered Calcium Vanadium Oxide Bronze Cathode

Abstract

AbstractCost‐effective aqueous rechargeable batteries are attractive alternatives to non‐aqueous cells for stationary grid energy storage. Among different aqueous cells, zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), based on Zn2+ intercalation chemistry, stand out as they can employ high‐capacity Zn metal as the anode material. Herein, we report a layered calcium vanadium oxide bronze as the cathode material for aqueous Zn batteries. For the storage of the Zn2+ ions in the aqueous electrolyte, we demonstrate that the calcium‐based bronze structure can deliver a high capacity of 340 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C, good rate capability, and very long cycling life (96 % retention after 3000 cycles at 80 C). Further, we investigate the Zn2+ storage mechanism, and the corresponding electrochemical kinetics in this bronze cathode. Finally, we show that our Zn cell delivers an energy density of 267 W h kg−1 at a power density of 53.4 W kg−1.