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Proton Intercalation/De‐Intercalation Dynamics in Vanadium Oxides for Aqueous Aluminum Electrochemical Cells
Author(s) -
Zhao Qing,
Liu Luojia,
Yin Jiefu,
Zheng Jingxu,
Zhang Duhan,
Chen Jun,
Archer Lynden A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201912634
Subject(s) - intercalation (chemistry) , electrochemistry , cathode , aqueous solution , inorganic chemistry , vanadium , chemistry , orthorhombic crystal system , transition metal , materials science , crystallography , electrode , crystal structure , organic chemistry , catalysis
Understanding cation (H + , Li + , Na + , Al 3+ , etc.) intercalation/de‐intercalation chemistry in transition metal compounds is crucial for the design of cathode materials in aqueous electrochemical cells. Here we report that orthorhombic vanadium oxides (V 2 O 5 ) supports highly reversible proton intercalation/de‐intercalation reactions in aqueous media, enabling aluminum electrochemical cells with extended cycle life. Empirical analyses using vibrational and x‐ray spectroscopy are complemented with theoretical analysis of the electrostatic potential to establish how and why protons intercalate in V 2 O 5 in aqueous media. We show further that cathode coatings composed of cation selective membranes provide a straightforward method for enhancing cathode reversibility by preventing anion cross‐over in aqueous electrolytes. Our work sheds light on the design of cation transport requirements for high‐energy reversible cathodes in aqueous electrochemical cells.