Ultrasonic synthesis of conducting polymers intercalated potassium vanadate nanofiber composites as cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have gained attention as next-generation energy storage systems due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. However, their commercialization is hindered by the structural instability and low electrochemical performance of cathode materials. Herei...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Juyeon Han, Yongyeol Park, Ok Sung Jeon, Dongpyo Hong, Yuanzhe Piao, Young Joon Yoo, Sang Yoon Park, Se Hun Lee, Jeeyoung Yoo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:Ultrasonics Sonochemistry
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1350417725001579
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Summary:Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have gained attention as next-generation energy storage systems due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. However, their commercialization is hindered by the structural instability and low electrochemical performance of cathode materials. Herein, we present poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-intercalated potassium vanadate nanofibers (E-PVNF) with oxygen vacancies, synthesized via a sonochemical method. Oxygen vacancies play a crucial role in facilitating Zn2+ diffusion and charge transport by providing additional ion migration channels and enhancing electronic conductivity. The E-PVNF exhibited a high specific capacity of 182.50mAh g−1 even at a high current density of 15 A g−1, significantly outperforming conventional potassium vanadate-based cathodes. To investigate the electrochemical behavior, overpotential and Zn2+ diffusion coefficient (DZn2+) were systematically evaluated as a function of synthesis time. The results revealed a substantial reduction in overpotential and a notable increase in DZn2+, reaching 3.86 × 10−10 cm2 s−1, nearly double that of pristine potassium vanadate. This improvement is attributed to the synergistic effects of PEDOT intercalation and oxygen vacancy engineering, which optimize Zn2+ diffusion pathways and enhance charge transfer. Additionally, while oxygen vacancies facilitate ion and electron transport, they do not directly increase theoretical capacity. This study provides a scalable and effective electrode design strategy for high-performance AZIBs, offering insights into the role of conducting polymer intercalation and oxygen vacancy engineering in improving electrochemical stability and rate capability.
ISSN:1350-4177