Cauliflower-like nanostructured ZnV₂S₄ as a potential cathode material to boost-up high capacity and durability of the aqueous zinc-ion battery

Owing to their unique design and development, high safety and low-cost efficient cathode is still at the forefront of research for rechargeable zinc-ion batteries. However, the suitable cathode operating with ultrahigh capacity with a dendrite-free anode reaction mechanism remains challenging. In this, the first archetype of a high-rate and morphologically stabled cathode material is constructed from novel cauliflower-like nano-ZnV₂S₄ for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Thus, nano-ZnV₂S₄ was prepared with an anion exchange reaction using ZnV₂(OH)₈ cauliflower-like nanostructured array as a template interestingly no morphological and shape changes were detected. The as-prepared nano-ZnV₂S₄ electrode reveals a specific discharge capacity of 348.2 mAh/g during 0.5 A/g with enhanced rate capability and excellent capacity retention of 89.2% at 4 A/g current density even after completing 1000 cycles.