Nafion-protected Na₃V₂ (PO₄)₃ electrodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: A breakthrough in dissolution resistance and electrochemical enhancement

The field of zinc-ion batteries requires advancements in electrode materials and configurations for improved performance and longevity. This research focuses on Na₃V₂ (PO₄)₃ (NVP) as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries, addressing its dissolution in Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂ electrolytes. A protective Nafion coating was applied using a dip coating technique, with the optimal 20% Nafion solution yielding a 32-µm thick coating. EDS analysis confirmed 16.75% Zn insertion, and EIS analysis showed charge-transfer resistances of 10 O (bare) and 30 O (coated). The Nafion-coated NVP demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performance, achieving nearly 90 mAh/g over 55 cycles with 98% capacity retention. This performance surpasses existing benchmarks, highlighting the potential of Nafion-coated NVP in zinc-ion batteries. This work underscores the transformative potential of Nafion-coated NVP in zinc-ion battery technology, providing a pathway for more durable and efficient energy storage solutions.