MoO₃-Based Cathodes for Zinc-Ion Batteries: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions

The increasing demand for sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions has spurred significant interest in zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) as viable alternatives to lithium-based technologies, driven by their cost-effectiveness, enhanced safety, and environmental compatibility. Among the diverse cathode materials investigated for ZIBs, molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) has garnered considerable attention due to its distinctive layered structure, high theoretical capacity, and adaptable electronic properties. Nevertheless, practical applications of MoO3 cathodes are impeded by challenges such as low electronic conductivity, structural instability, and dissolution in aqueous electrolytes. This Review offers a comprehensive examination of recent advancements in MoO3 cathodes for ZIBs, emphasizing strategies including structural regulation, valence modulation, intercalation engineering and electrolyte optimization. Furthermore, the Review outlines future research directions aimed at unlocking the full potential of MoO3 cathodes, thereby facilitating their commercialization in next-generation energy storage systems.