Rationally Designed ZnTe@C Nanowires with Superior Zinc Storage Performance for Aqueous Zn Batteries

Abstract

AbstractTe‐based materials with excellent electrical conductivity and ultra‐high volume specific capacity have attracted much attention for the cost‐efficient aqueous Zn batteries. However, the construction of functional structures with mild volume expansion and suppressed shuttle effects, enabling an expanded lifespan, is still a challenge for conversion‐type materials. Herein, the carbon‐coated zinc telluride nanowires (ZnTe@C NWs) are rationally designed as a high‐performance cathode material for aqueous Zn batteries. The carbon‐coated1D nanostructure could not only provide optimized transmission path for electrons and ions, but also help to maintain structure integrity upon volume variation and suppress intermediates dissolution, endowing the ZnTe@C NWs with improved cycling stability and reaction kinetics. Consequently, a reversible six‐electron reaction mechanism of ZnTe@C NWs based on Te2−/Te4+ conversion with excellent output capacity (586 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and lifespan (>250 mAh g−1 retained for 400 cycles at 1 A g−1) is eventually achieved.