Abstract
Beyond-lithium-ion batteries are promising candidates for high-energy-density, low-cost and large-scale energy storage applications. However, the main challenge lies in the development of suitable electrode materials. Here, we demonstrate a new type of zero-strain cathode for reversible intercalation of beyond-Li
+
ions (Na
+
, K
+
, Zn
2+
, Al
3+
) through interface strain engineering of a 2D multilayered VOPO
4
-graphene heterostructure. In-situ characterization and theoretical calculations reveal a reversible intercalation mechanism of cations in the 2D multilayered heterostructure with a negligible volume change. When applied as cathodes in K
+
-ion batteries, we achieve a high specific capacity of 160 mA h g
−1
and a large energy density of ~570 W h kg
−1
, presenting the best reported performance to date. Moreover, the as-prepared 2D multilayered heterostructure can also be extended as cathodes for high-performance Na
+
, Zn
2+
, and Al
3+
-ion batteries. This work heralds a promising strategy to utilize strain engineering of 2D materials for advanced energy storage applications.
Beyond-Li
+
-ion batteries are promising energy storage systems but suffer from lack of suitable electrode materials. Here the authors report a new type of zero-strain cathodes for Na
+
, K
+
, Zn
2+
, and Al
3+
ion batteries through strain engineering of a 2D multilayered VOPO
4
-graphene heterostructure.