Architecting V2O5 with a Triune Crystal Water–Amorphous–Crystalline Feature for Robust Zinc-Ion Batteries

The notorious collapse of the electrode structure and strong electrostatic interactions in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) limit the achievement of a long cycle life. Herein, by designing an ordered/disordered hybrid structure, we have effectively preserved the integrity of the V2O5·1.6H2O (VOH) electrode. Moreover, our approach facilitates the release of stress concentration contributed to by the amorphous component, alleviating the strong electrostatic interaction merited by crystal water and promoting the diffusion kinetics of Zn2+ assisted by the crystalline component. Noteworthy, the crystal water serves as an interlayer pillar significantly enhancing the structural stability of the electrode. As a result, our VOH electrode exhibits high electrochemical performance. It delivered 227.8 mAh g–1 at a higher current density of 2 A g–1, and a high cycle life of 1000 cycles with 95% capacity retention was achieved at a current density of 1 A g–1.