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

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.