MoO3-Based Cathodes for Zinc-Ion Batteries: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions

The increasing demand for sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions has spurred significant interest in zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) as viable alternatives to lithium-based technologies, driven by their cost-effectiveness, enhanced safety, and environmental compatibility. Among the diverse cathode materials investigated for ZIBs, molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ) has garnered considerable attention due to its distinctive layered structure, high theoretical capacity, and adaptable electronic properties. Nevertheless, practical applications of MoO 3 cathodes are impeded by challenges such as low electronic conductivity, structural instability, and dissolution in aqueous electrolytes. This Review offers a comprehensive examination of recent advancements in MoO 3 cathodes for ZIBs, emphasizing strategies including structural regulation, valence modulation, intercalation engineering and electrolyte optimization. Furthermore, the Review outlines future research directions aimed at unlocking the full potential of MoO 3 cathodes, thereby facilitating their commercialization in next-generation energy storage systems.