N-doped VS2 cathode with shell-anchored structure for enhancing the storage performance of Zn-Ion batteries

Using a confinement growth strategy, shell-anchored N-doped (NSA) VS2 has been synthesized within hollow mesoporous carbon spheres as a cathode material in aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). The VS2@NSA composite exhibits a novel three-step deintercalation process across a broad voltage range (0-1 V), significantly boosting Zn2+ storage capacity. Notably, the shell-anchored structure of VS2@NSA effectively mitigates the pulverization and volume expansion issues associated with extensive Zn2+ insertion. Furthermore, VS2@NSA exhibited the excellent cycle stability of 282.4 mA h/g at 1 A/g after 500 cycles. Massive Zn2+ insertion did not cause excessive volume variation and structure destruction that can be effectively inhibited by the confined structure of VS2@NSA.