Introducing Ce ions and oxygen defects into V₂O₅ nanoribbons for efficient aqueous zinc ion storage

Cost-effectively, eco-friendly rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have reserved widespread concerns and become outstanding candidate in energy storage systems. However, the progress pace of AZIBs suffers from limitation of suitable and affordable cathode materials. Herein, a double-effect strategy is realized in a one-step hydrothermal treatment to prepare V₂O₅ nanoribbons with intercalation of Ce and introduction of abundant oxygen defects (O_d-Ce@V₂O₅) to enhance electrochemical performance synergistically. Coupled with the theoretical calculation results, the introduction of Ce ions intercalation and oxygen vacancies in V₂O₅ structure enhances the electrical conductivity, reduces the adsorption energy of zinc ions, enlarges the interlayer distance, renders the structure more stable, and facilitates rapid diffusion kinetics. As expected, the desirable cathode delivers the reversible capacity of 444 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.5 A·g⁻¹ and shows excellent Coulombic efficiency, as well as an extraordinary energy density of 304.9 Wh·kg⁻¹. The strategy proposed here may aid in the further development of cathode materials with stable performance for AZIBs.