Flexible Free‐Standing VO2/MXene Conductive Films as Cathodes for Quasi‐Solid‐State Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Flexible rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have aroused tremendous attention owing to the good safety and abundant reserves, making it one of the most promising alternatives for novel energy storage devices. Herein, flexible, free-standing hybrid films with a three-dimensional interlaced network are reported for ZIBs. The flexible and pliable VO2/MXene hybrid films deliver a high specific capacity of 228.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and display a reversible capacity over 126.6 mAh g−1 after 700 cycles at 2 A g−1. More impressively, the flexible electrode also shows exciting mechanical flexibility and outstanding Zn2+ storage capability with a moderate capacity retention of 72.1 % after 2500 cycles at 5 A g−1 in quasi-solid-state ZIBs. The special structure can boost the diffusion pathway of Zn2+ and effectively stabilize the structure of the electrode upon cycling. This work also evidences that the flexible VO2/MXene hybrid films own an immense potential for portable and flexible equipment.