Copper incorporation induced oxygen vacancy MoO3 anode and Zn dendrite inhibitor for high performance aqueous zinc ion batteries

Abstract

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) have captured prominent focus as auspicious energy storage systems. However, challenges such as dendrites formation and corrosion in metallic Zn anodes greatly stimulate the requirement for alternative intercalation-type anode materials. Herein, we envisaged a robust Cu doping MoO₃ (Cu-MoO₃) anode for AZIBs without Zn dendrites growth. This Cu doping strategy modifies the electron spin configurations of Mo atoms, enhancing Zn²⁺ storage capability. In addition, the Cu-induced oxygen vacancies largely advance the reaction kinetics and improve capacity. The resulting Zn//Cu-MoO₃ battery benefits from amended electrical conduction and accelerated Zn²⁺ diffusion rates, achieving an impressive capacity of 212.8 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles. Furthermore, the Zn//Cu-MoO₃ battery maintains a reversible capacity of 88.1 mAh g⁻¹ over 1000 cycles and enables a high energy density of 90.1 Wh kg⁻¹ when paired with a Zn_xMnO₂ cathode. This study offers an innovative tactic to ameliorate the electrochemical behavior of Mo based materials, offering a pathway for the development of next-generation intercalation-type anode materials in AZIBs.