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Researchers from Qingdao University have synthesized VO 2 @VS 2 hollow nanospheres using a one-step hydrothermal process, creating a highly efficient cathode material for zinc-ion batteries. This powerful heterostructure significantly enhances battery performance, delivering a reversible capacity of 468 mAh g−1 and maintaining 85% retention after 1,000 cycles.

The nanomaterial's unique architecture facilitates faster Zn-ion transport, enhanced electrochemical stability, and longer cycle life, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This advancement paves the way for more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly energy storage systems crucial for applications like electric vehicles and grid storage.

The work is published in the journal Materials Futures.

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries in advanced energy storage systems due to their safety, cost, and environmental friendliness. For large-scale energy storage applications like electric vehicles and grid storage, zinc is abundant, non-toxic, and can operate in aqueous electrolytes. However, the cathode material greatly affects ZIBs' capacity, rate capability, and cycle life.

Vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) is a popular ZIB cathode material due to its high theoretical capacity and zinc-ion insertion/extraction. However, VO 2 suffers from low electrical conductivity and poor performance rate, limiting its practical application in high-performance batteries. This limitation can be overcome by combing VO 2 with highly conductive materials like vanadium disulfide (VS 2 ).

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