Navajoite phase V₅O₁₂•6H₂O nanorods with ultra−long lifespan for aqueous zinc−ion batteries

Aqueous zinc−ion batteries have attracted wide attention because of their low cost and high safety advantages, whereas the cathode materials with stable internal structure and fast transfer channels are urgently needed. Herein, a Navajoite phase V₅O₁₂•6 H₂O nanorods has been prepared via a facile hydrothermal method, and proved to be a good choice as the cathode of ZIBs because of the excellent structural stability and special Zn²⁺ ion transfer channel. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the as−fabricated V₅O₁₂•6 H₂O nanorods can disclose a high rate performance (405 mA h g⁻¹ under 0.1 A g⁻¹), a long−term cyclability (81.2% maintained after 20,000 cycles under 10 A g⁻¹) and an excellent energy output (338.04 Wh kg⁻¹ at 227 W kg⁻¹). In addition, various ex−situ characterizations have revealed the electrochemical mechanism in V₅O₁₂•6 H₂O cathode during reversible Zn²⁺ ion intercalation/de−intercalation process. The impressive electrochemical performance of V₅O₁₂•6 H₂O cathode shows its high potential in practical applications.