Heterointerface Built Up by Ultrathin Amorphous MoO<sub>3</sub> Conformal Coating Enables V<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O with Superior Properties for Aqueous Zinc Batteries.

Sun, Zhen; Yuan, Jiahuan; Wang, Yi; Chi, Zengfu; Lv, Linlin; Wang, Haixu; Luo, Weiwei; Diao, Quanping et al. · Nano Lett · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Layered V<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O is a promising candidate for aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) but with moderate electrochemical performances. Herein, the charge storage properties of V<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O are markedly improved by building up the heterointerface on its surface using amorphous molybdenum trioxide as the heteromaterial. The amorphous molybdenum trioxide functioning as the proton reservoir enables the proton-involved electrochemical reactions and induces the formation of a built-in electric field along the [001] orientation at the heterointerface constructed by the (001) plane of V<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O, which could provide new diffusion pathways and extra sites for ion storage. As a result, V<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O with significantly improved kinetics realizes an ultrahigh capacity of 510 mAh g<sup>-1</sup>, better rate capability, and prolonged lifespan. This work provides general guidance for designing advanced cathode materials for AZBs with respect to heterostructure.