Synergistic defect engineering and gradient pore structure induce tellurium nanoclusters for high‐performance aqueous zinc‐tellurium batteries

Abstract Aqueous zinc‐tellurium (Zn‐Te) batteries have garnered much attention due to their inherent safety and high specific capacity. Unfortunately, the problem of low utilization and severe volume expansion represents a significant obstacle to the development of aqueous Zn‐Te batteries. Herein, a synergistic defect engineering and gradient pore structure strategy is proposed to construct tellurium nanoclusters/carbon composite cathode materials (DP‐C/Te) for high‐performance aqueous Zn‐Te batteries. The gradient pore structure supplies confinement spaces that restrict crystalline tellurium formation, facilitating high‐activity tellurium nanoclusters and enhancing structural stability. A defect‐rich structure can accelerate the migration and aggregation of tellurium, not only leading to the formation of tellurium nanoclusters but also boosting the redox reaction of aqueous Zn‐Te batteries. Additionally, robust C–O bonds can further facilitate the interfacial electron transfer. Consequently, the DP‐C/Te cathode for aqueous zinc‐tellurium batteries demonstrates sufficient specific capacity (481.75 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 ), superior rate performance (114 mAh g −1 even at 3 A g −1 ) and reliable cycling stability (81% capacity retention at 1 A g −1 after 1100 cycles). Furthermore, this work offers a promising perspective for high‐performance aqueous Zn‐Te batteries.