Mechanistic investigation of silver vanadate as superior cathode for high rate and durable zinc-ion batteries

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries have shown considerable potential for stationary grid-scale energy storage systems owing to their characteristics of low cost and non-pollution. Nevertheless, the development of high-performance cathode materials is still a formidable challenge. In this work, for the first time, we report a superior silver vanadate (β-AgVO₃) cathode for Zn-ion batteries, and demonstrate the fundamental Zn²⁺ storage mechanism in detail. In sharp contrast to the previously-reported layered vandium-based materials, the β-AgVO₃ cathode experiences an initial phase transition to form a layered Zn₃V₂O₇(OH)₂·2H₂O through a displacement/reduction reaction of Zn²⁺/Ag⁺ in the first discharge process. The in situ generated Ag⁰ along with the residual Ag⁺ and structural water within the framework afford high electronic/ionic conductivity, thus enabling enhanced Zn²⁺ intercalation/deintercalation kinetics in the layered phase. As a consequence, the cathode can deliver remarkable rate performance (103 mAh g⁻¹ at 5000 mA g⁻¹) and long-term cycling stability (95 mAh g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles at 2000 mA g⁻¹). The present study offers a totally new insight into the exploration of non-layered-structured vandium-based cathodes for high performance Zn-ion batteries.