Hydrothermally Synthesized PPy/VO Nanorod Composites for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Cathodes.

The rapid development of energy storage technologies has led to an increasing demand for high-performance electrode materials that can enhance both the energy density and the cycling stability of batteries. In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) nanorods with partial hollow features are utilized as a conductive and flexible framework for the in situ growth of VO nanospheres via a simple hydrothermal method, forming a well-defined core-shell PPy/VO nanocomposite. This hierarchical nanostructure combines the excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility of PPy with the high theoretical capacity of VO, creating a synergistic effect that significantly enhances the electrochemical performance. The well-integrated interface between PPy and VO reduces interfacial resistance, promotes efficient electron and ion transport, and improves the overall energy conversion efficiency. Electrochemical testing reveals that the PPy/VO nanocomposite delivers a high specific capacity of 413 mAh g at 100 mA g and retains 87.2% of its initial capacity after 1200 cycles, demonstrating exceptional rate capability and long-term cycling stability. This work provides a versatile strategy for designing high-performance cathode materials and highlights the promising potential of PPy/VO nanocomposites for next-generation high-energy-density aqueous zinc-ion batteries.