@article{Guo2026, 
author = {Xinyu Guo and Yan Chen and Yi Zhou and Jinke Li and Pu He and Ying Tang and Wenjun Deng and Rui Li},
title = {Protonated layered titanate anode at 0.008 V enables 1.75 V rocking-chair aqueous zinc-ion batteries with 87% energy efficiency},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {6},
pages = {94908435},
keywords = {hydrated titanic acid, aqueous zinc-ion batteries, zinc metal-free anode, "rocking-chair" type},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94908435},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94908435},
abstract = {Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) with metallic Zn anodes face significant challenges, including dendrite growth, low Zn utilization, and parasitic side reactions. Inspired by rocking-chair design of lithium-ion batteries, developing intercalative anodes offers a promising strategy to address these issues. However, existing anode materials exhibit limited diversity, high redox potentials (≥ 0.3 V vs. Zn2+/Zn), and low energy efficiency, constraining the development of rocking-chair zinc-ion batteries. Herein, we report protonated layered titanate (H2Ti3O7) that demonstrates an ultra-low redox potential of 0.008 V vs. Zn2+/Zn. The anode delivers a reversible capacity of 78 mAh·g−1 at 0.2 A·g−1, along with superior rate performance and remarkable cycling stability. In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals a two-phase reaction mechanism during Zn2+ (de)intercalation. When coupled with a zinc hexacyanoferrate (KZnHCF) cathode, the full cell achieves a high output voltage of 1.75 V, long-term cycling stability of 3000 cycles, and an exceptional energy efficiency of 87% that far exceeds commercial lead-acid batteries. This work provides a highly promising anode candidate for the realization of high-voltage, high-energy-efficiency, and dendrite-free AZIBs.}
}