Zn 2+ -storage mechanism in V 6 O 13 with nanosheets for high-capacity and long-life aqueous zinc-metal batteries.

V 6 O 13 with a nanosheet structure was employed as a cathode material for aqueous zinc metal batteries. V 6 O 13 delivered a high specific capacity of 425 mA h g -1 , outstanding rate performance and durable cycling with high capacity retention of 86% after 3000 cycles. Moreover, in situ X-ray diffractometer (XRD), ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) were employed to ascertain the reaction mechanism of Zn 2+ storage.