Promise and challenge of vanadium-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have got wide attention with the increasing demands for energy resource recently. It has a number of merits compared with lithium-ion batteries, such as enhanced safety, low cost and environmental friendliness. Vanadium-based materials have been developed to serve as the cathodes of ZIBs for many years. But there are also some challenges to construct high performance ZIBs in the future. Herein, we reviewed the research progress of vanadium-based cathodes and discussed the energy storage mechanisms in ZIBs. In addition, we summarized the major challenges faced by vanadium-based cathodes and the corresponding ways to improve electrochemical performance of ZIBs. Finally, some excellent vanadium-based cathodes are summarized to pave the way for future research in ZIBs.