Cerium-doped metal-organic framework derived V2O5 for enhanced zinc storage performance

Developing high-performance cathode materials is essential for advancing aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs). As a typical cathode material, V 2 O 5 faces limitations in further development due to its low intrinsic conductivity and structural instability. Herein, cerium-doped V 2 O 5 nanobelts (Ce-V 2 O 5 ) were rationally constructed from V-MOF microflower precursors through a combined hydrothermal conversion, Ce-ion doping, and calcination strategy. Compared with pristine V 2 O 5 microspheres, the Ce-V 2 O 5 architecture exhibits enlarged interlayer spacing, a higher specific surface area, more accessible electrochemically active sites, and improve charge-transport properties. As a result, the Ce-V 2 O 5 cathode delivered a high capacity of 487.3 mA h g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 and still retains 212.6 mA h g −1 at 20 A g −1 . It also maintains 212.8 mA h g −1 after 1200 cycles at 10 A g −1 , demonstrating strong rate capability and long-term cycling durability. Kinetic analysis based on CV, EIS, and GITT measurements revealed that Ce incorporation effectively lowers the charge-transfer resistance and accelerates Zn 2+ diffusion. The ex-situ XRD characterization further confirmed the high reversibility of the Ce-V 2 O 5 electrode during repeated Zn 2+ insertion/extraction. This work provides an effective route for regulating MOF-derived vanadium oxides through ion incorporation and offers useful guidance for designing high-performance cathodes for AZIBs.