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Aqueous zinc-ion batteries offer the greatest promise as an alternative technology for low-cost and high-safety energy storage. However, the development of high-performance cathode materials and their compatibility with aqueous electrolytes are major obstacles to their practical applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of orthorhombic V2O5·nH2O nanorods as cathodes for aqueous zinc batteries. As a result, the electrode delivers a reversible capacity as high as 320 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 and long-term cycling stability in a wide window of 0.2 to 1.8 V using a mild ZnSO4 aqueous electrolyte. The superior performance can be attributed to the improved stability of materials, inhibited electrolyte decomposition and facilitated charge transfer kinetics of such materials for aqueous zinc storage. Furthermore, a full cell using microsized Zn powder as an anode within capacity-balancing design exhibits high capacity and stable cycling performance, proving the feasibility of these materials for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous rechargeable batteries offer a safe alternative for electrochemical energy storage, integrating cost-efficiency and energy density to meet the demand for stationary applications. Recent efforts have focused on the improvement of electrode materials in aqueous electrolytes, particularly the cycle life and energy reliability of batteries. The anion intercalation chemistry in graphite could be an alternative cathode candidate, often requiring an upper cut-off potential above 4.5 V vs. Li+/Li. Such a potential readily exceeds the electrochemical stability windows of water-based electrolytes. Herein, we provide a progress report and critical comment on the reversible intercalation chemistry in graphite compounds, i.e. , anion and halogen intercalations, for the development of economical, high-energy aqueous rechargeable batteries. In addition, this review focuses on the charge carrier species, their charge storage mechanisms and battery configurations, aiming to provide solutions to solve the remaining key challenges for aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]