High-Performance VS2-Based Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries by the Co-Intercalation of Zn2+/Na+

Aqueous zinc ion batteries show significant promise for grid-scale storage systems due to their low redox potential and high theoretical capacity. The VS2 material possesses a large layer spacing, which facilitates the (de)intercalation of zinc ions. Herein, VS2 nanosheets are grown directly on a carbon cloth by a simple one-step hydrothermal route. We explore the morphological changes and use two different electrolytes (3 M ZnSO4 and 2 M ZnSO4 + 1 M Na2SO4) to achieve the co-intercalation of Zn2+ and Na+. The assembled Zn//VS2/CC batteries using a mixed electrolyte deliver a specific capacity of 194.5 mAh g–1 at 0.5 A g–1. Also, they can charge/discharge stably 700 times with a retention rate of 84.2% at 2 A g–1. We have paved the way for the development of environmentally sustainable batteries for future energy storage applications through a dual-cation electrolyte system.