Silver vanadate (Ag 0.33 V ₂ O ₅ ) nanorods from Ag intercalated vanadium pentoxide for superior cathode of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries

Silver vanadate (Ag 0.33 V 2 O 5 ) nanorods were successfully synthesized by the pre‐intercalation of Ag + into the interlayer of V 2 O 5 through a sol–gel method, which presented a favorable electrochemical performance of high capacity, rate capacity, and cycle stability. Specifically, Ag 0.33 V 2 O 5 electrode presented a high capacity of about 311 mAh·g −1 at the current density of 0.1 A·g −1 . It also delivered long‐term cycling stability (144 mAh·g −1 after 500 cycles at 2 A·g −1 ). The reasons for the superior electrochemical performance were the pre‐intercalation Ag + extended interlayer distance, and the introduction of elemental silver improved conductivity during charge/discharge. Additionally, the Zn 2+ storage mechanism was revealed by various characteristic measurements. The prepared Ag 0.33 V 2 O 5 nanorods from the sol–gel method were demonstrated as a promising cathode material for aqueous Zn 2+ batteries.