Tuning the Kinetics of Zinc‐Ion Insertion/Extraction in V 2 O 5 by In Situ Polyaniline Intercalation Enables Improved Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Storage Performance

Abstract Rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are emerging as a promising alternative for Li‐ion batteries. However, the developed cathodes suffer from sluggish Zn 2+ diffusion kinetics, leading to poor rate capability and inadequate cycle life. Herein, an in situ polyaniline (PANI) intercalation strategy is developed to facilitate the Zn 2+ (de)intercalation kinetics in V 2 O 5 . In this way, a remarkably enlarged interlayer distance (13.90 Å) can be constructed alternatively between the VO layers, offering expediting channels for facile Zn 2+ diffusion. Importantly, the electrostatic interactions between the Zn 2+ and the host O 2− , which is another key factor in hindering the Zn 2+ diffusion kinetics,…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: AC02-06CH11357, DE-AC02, 06CH11357, DE-AC02-06CH11357, DE-AC02-
• CU
  City University of Hong Kong

  Award: 9610399
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: DE-AC02-06CH11357, 51971066, 2017GC010030, 51771058
• ST
  Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality

  Award: SGDX2019081623240948
• OO
  Office of Science

  Awards: DE-AC02-06CH11357, DE-AC02, 06CH11357, AC02-06CH11357
• SR
  Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong
• AN
  Argonne National Laboratory

  Awards: DE-AC02, 06CH11357, AC02-06CH11357, DE‐AC02‐06CH11357