Edge-Enriched MoS2 as a High-Performance Cathode for Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) with the advantages in low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness have broad application prospects in the field of energy storage. However, the slow diffusion kinetics of multivalent Zn²⁺ in materials make it hard to find a suitable cathode. Herein, HNO₃ etched MoS₂ with edge-enriched feature is proved to be a promising cathode for high-performance AZIBs. The highly exposed edges with superior electrochemical activity can not only offer more reactive sites for zinc storage but also facilitate electrolyte accessibility and shortens the ion transport pathway, thus accelerating reaction kinetics. As a result, the edge-enriched MoS₂ cathode exhibited higher specific capacity of 187 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and outstanding cycling performance (89 % capacity retention after 700 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹).