Constructing an Al2O3/(NH4)2V4O9 heterostructure as a cathode material for high performance aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries

An Al2O3/(NH4)(2)V4O9 heterostructure is fabricated as a cathode material for aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries. This is the first report that Al2O3 assists (NH4)(2)V4O9 to improve the electrochemical performance of zinc-ion batteries. The Al2O3 content in the Al2O3/(NH4)(2)V4O9 heterostructure can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of Al : V, and the Al2O3/(NH4)(2)V4O9 nanoblocks with an Al2O3 content of 15.98% deliver excellent electrochemical performance with a maximum discharge capacity of 269 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 0.5 A g(-1). At a high current density of 5.0 A g(-1), the Al2O3/(NH4)(2)V4O9 cathode displays an activated maximum capacity of 200 mA h g(-1), and the specific capacity can be maintained at 173 mAh g(-1) with a maximum capacity retention of 86.5% after 3000 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance mainly come from the internal electronic field at the heterointerfaces in the Al2O3/(NH4)(2)V4O9 heterostructure.