V2O5 Nanospikes as a Cathode for Aqueous Zn-Based Batteries

Vanadium oxides have been explored extensively as electroactive materials for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs). In this study, V ₂ O ₅ nanospikes (VO-NS) were synthesized via thermal decomposition of dodecylamine from vanadium oxide nanotubes (VO-NTs), and its performance as cathode material for ZIBs was systematically investigated. The resulting VO-NS cathode exhibited substantially enhanced electronic conductivity and Zn ²⁺ transport kinetics compared to VO-NTs. Electrochemical tests revealed that VO-NS delivered a specific capacity of 355.2 mAh·g ^–1 at a current density of 0.5 A·g ^–1 and maintained 261.7 mAh·g ^–1 even at 5.0 A·g ^–1 , demonstrating an outstanding rate capability. Notably, the VO-NS cathode maintained 91.86% of its initial capacity (194.2 mAh·g ^–1 ) after 2000 cycle at 10.0 A·g ^–1 , highlighting the exceptional cyclic stability. Furthermore, it achieved a high value of energy density of 294.9 Wh·kg ^–1 at 0.5 A·g ^–1 and an exceptional power density of 6714 W·kg ^–1 at 10 A·g ^–1 , surpassing many previously reported vanadium-based ZIBs cathodes. These findings underscore the potential of VO-NS as an exceptional cathodic material for ZIBs.