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

Abstract

Te-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 Te^2- /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.