In-situ construction of barium-induced cathode electrolyte interphase to enable mechanostable high-performance zinc-ion batteries

• Published in: Materials today energy Vol. 32; p. 101254
• Main Authors: Kulkarni, Pranav, Jung, Hyun Young
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2023
• Subjects: Ba intercalation; Cathode electrode interphase; Multivalent metal; Vanadium oxide; Zn-Ion battery; Zn-Ion battery; Vanadium oxide; Cathode electrode interphase; Ba intercalation; Multivalent metal
• ISSN: 2468-6069; 2468-6069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2023.101254

Vanadium-based compounds with open frameworks are recently the subject of intensive research as cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) with the advantages of high safety and high energy density. However, the spontaneous vanadium dissolution from a cathode and the formation of by-products in aqueous electrolytes are challenging issues that must be addressed as they cause substantial capacity degradation and inadequacy in cycle life. Here, we develop an efficient way to suppress vanadium dissolution via an in-situ formed cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) by incorporating barium ions in the vanadium framework. Such barium ions increase the interlayer structure and act as a sacrificial agent to form an in-situ BaSO4 CEI that reduces vanadium dissolution while enhancing the diffusion kinetics. As a cathodic active material, Ba–V6O13 nanobelts show a specific capacity of 305 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and an energy density of 213 Wh/kg, offering excellent reversible capacity retention of 99.94% per cycle. Besides, it operates stably even after physically cutting the device and exhibits excellent interfacial stability. This work presents an innovative strategy to accelerate the commercialization of safe, flexible AZIBs. [Display omitted] •Morphologically controlled Ba–V6O13 active materials for cathodes in zinc-ion batteries.•Intercalated Ba-ion that increases the interplanar spacing by acting as a pillaring agent.•An artificial cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) to suppress vanadium dissolution.•Improved electrochemical performance and zinc-ion diffusion kinetics.•Specific capacity of 305 mAh/g and reversible capacity retention of 99.94% per cycle.