Amorphization boost multi-ion storage for high-performance aqueous batteries

Abstract

Abstract Regarding the complex properties of various cations, the design of aqueous batteries that can simultaneously store multi-ions with high capacitance and satisfactory rate performance is a great challenge. Here we report an amorphization strategy to boost cation-ion storage capacitances of anode materials. Consequently, amorphous MoOx achieves high capacitance in variety of monovalent (H+, Li+, K+), divalent (Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+) and even trivalent (Al3+) aqueous electrolyte, which is more than 4 times higher than that of crystalline MoOx, and exceeds other reported multiple-ion storage materials. Both experiment and theory calculations reveal ample of active site and isotropic ion are generated in amorphous phase, accelerating cation migration within the bulk of electrode. By coupling with multi-ion storage cathodes, the assembled electrochemical energy storage devices with different carriers display promising energy density and high power density (> 15000 W kg− 1), demonstrative of great potential as advanced aqueous batteries.