A Layered Bi₂Te₃@PPy Cathode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Mechanism and Application in Printed Flexible Batteries

Abstract

Low‐cost, safe, and environmental‐friendly rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising as next‐generation energy storage devices for wearable electronics among other applications. However, sluggish ionic transport kinetics and the unstable electrode structure during ionic insertion/extraction hampers their deployment. Herein, we propose a new cathode material based on a layered metal chalcogenide (LMC), bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), coated with polypyrrole (PPy). Taking advantage of the PPy coating, the Bi2Te3@PPy composite presents strong ionic absorption affinity, high oxidation resistance, and high structural stability. The ZIBs based on Bi2Te3@PPy cathodes exhibit high capacities and ultra‐long lifespans of over 5000 cycles. They also present outstanding stability even under bending. In addition, we analyze here the reaction mechanism using in situ X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and computational tools and demonstrate that, in the aqueous system, Zn2+ is not inserted into the cathode as previously assumed. In contrast, proton charge storage dominates the process. Overall, this work not only shows the great potential of LMCs as ZIBs cathode materials and the advantages of PPy coating, but also clarifies the charge/discharge mechanism in rechargeable ZIBs based on LMCs.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Ultrasmall, Amorphous V2O3 Intimately Anchored on a Carbon Nanofiber Aerogel Toward High-Rate Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…The calculated pseudocapacitance contributions at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 mV s –1 scan rates were 53%, 55%, 59%, 65%, and 71%, respectively (Figure S18). The above differences in charge storage contributions clearly uncover the factors behind the high rate performance of the V 2 O 3 /CNF electrode, as the capacitive contribution achieves a considerably swifter ionic storage even under high current densities …”

Modifying Electronic Structure of Bismuth Telluride Through S Doping and Te Vacancy Engineering for Enhanced Zn‐Ion Storage Ability in Aqueous Zn‐proton Hybrid Ion Batteries

“…Previous studies suggested that the ions that intercalate into the defectfree Bi 2 Te 3 lattice are protons rather than Zn 2+ owing to the high energy barrier of Zn 2+ intercalation. [23] Herein, the participation of S dopant and Te vacancies evidently boosts the Zn 2+ adsorption ability, which activates the Zn 2+ insertion behavior for the SBT cathode. This finding might be attributed to the S dopant and Te vacancies decreasing the van der Waals' forces between Bi 2 Te 3 layers, which makes it easier to insert Zn 2+ into the SBT lattice.…”

Modification Strategies of High-Energy Li-Rich Mn-Based Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries: A Review

“…The twin problems of the energy crisis and environmental pollution have been the most serious challenges for the development of the global community in recent years. The main focus of research and development is on seeking a combination of theoretical research and experimentation to address these two major challenges, thereby realizing a new generation of more environmentally friendly energy technologies [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. One focus is on the conversion and storage of clean energy, while lithium-ion battery (LIB) systems are one of the most anticipated energy storage devices [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”