NixB/rGO as the cathode for high-performance aqueous alkaline zinc-based battery

Abstract

Aqueous alkaline zinc batteries (AZBs) exhibit great potential due to their high capacity, high safety and low cost. However, despite these advantages, the lack of high stability and high utilization rate makes the search for high-performance cathode materials a great challenge. Here, an amorphous nickel boride/rGO (NixB/rGO) complex structure was designed. As a result of abundant unsaturated active sites and synergistic electronic effects, amorphous NixB exhibits excellent energy storage properties. As well as having high electrical conductivity, rGO avoids aggregation of NixB nanoparticles, ensuring that NixB/rGO electrodes have a high energy storage capacity. The structure has a strong adhesion between NixB and rGO, which protects its stable structure and extends its life. More importantly, the NixB/rGO//Zn full battery shows remarkable capacity (228.4 mAh/g at 2 A/g), extraordinary cycle durability (93.7 % retained after 1000 cycles) and strong energy density 399.7 Wh/kg, when coupled with NixB/rGO cathode. This work will also shed light on other nickel-zinc batteries in order to achieve super durability and capacity.