A C/V$_2$O$_5$ core-sheath nanofibrous cathode with mixed-ion intercalation for aluminium-ion batteries

Abstract

A new nanofibrous material, consisting of a conductive carbon core and an external layer made of vanadium oxide, has been studied as a cathode for aluminium-ion batteries. The material enables a mixed-ion intercalation mechanism, resulting in the alternating insertion of $\text{Al}^{3+}$ and $\text{AlCl}_4^-$ in the $\text{V}_2\text{O}_5$ and carbon layers, respectively. This is a highly desirable feature for cathode materials which may increase the energy density of future batteries by optimising the utilisation of the electrolyte.