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The development of high capacity, low cost, and high safety cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) is an ongoing challenge. Herein, CuV2O6 nanowires are prepared by a facile hydrothermal method to be used as a high-capacity cathode material for ZIBs. The sample displays an initial discharge capacity of 338 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and a capacity of 143 mA h g−1 remained at 5 A g−1 after 1200 cycles with a retention of ∼100% except for the initial capacity decay. Systematic structural and elemental characterization confirms that the reduction/oxidation of Cu2+/Cu0 is reversible during the electrochemical process. This work provides new prospects for designing more cathode materials based on the displacement reaction mechanism for Zn-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising candidate to replace lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIB) are receiving increasing attention due their high energy density, high safety, low cost and environmental friendliness. In this study, metal ions may be introduced into the interlayer gap of layered vanadium oxide nanobelts through a one-step hydrothermal process, without changing their original structure. Moreover, we have demonstrated by density functional theory computations that Mn metal ions not only serve as structural pillars but also enhance the conductivity of MnxVO2·0.2H2O, facilitating the migration of Zn ions. As a result, the electrochemical performance of MnxVO2·0.2H2O as an AZIB cathode has significantly improved; after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, it exhibits a high reversible capacity of 350 mA h g−1. With a high current density of 5 A g−1, the initial capacity can still reach 295 mA h g−1. This paper suggests an effective method to maximize the efficiency of AZIB electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]