The utilization of Zn anodes to build aqueous Zn–metal batteries has captured extensive attention in the domain of energy storage, but this task faces scientific challenges, such as Zn dendrites and unsatisfactory stripping/plating efficiency as well as gas evolution. Herein, cation-deficient Cu_2–xTe (Cu_1.81Te) is proposed as an attractive intercalated anode material for aqueous Zn-ion batteries. It delivers an ultraflat discharge plateau of 0.2 V (vs Zn²⁺/Zn) and a capacity of 158 mAh g⁻¹, of which 86% capacity is contributed from the discharge plateau at 0.2 V. Moreover, it shows superior cyclability with 100% capacity retention over 2000 cycles at 2.5 C (1 C = 242 mA g⁻¹). Experimental characterization reveals that it undergoes sequential insertion and conversion mechanism: Zn²⁺ is first inserted into the Cu_2-xTe which is further converted into Cu and ZnTe. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the crystal defects in Cu_2–xTe can manipulate the electronic structure to enhance reactivity and simultaneously reduce diffusion barriers. Moreover, an aqueous “rocking-chair” Cu_2–xTe//Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ Zn-ion full battery is demonstrated. It delivers an energy density of 58 Wh kg⁻¹ with a voltage output of 0.98 V, and keeps 92% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. This research provides an ultralow discharge plateau and stable anode material for aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

中文翻译：

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电化学活化的 Cu2-xTe 作为超平坦放电平台、低反应电位和稳定的负极材料，用于水性锌离子半电池和全电池

利用锌负极构建水性锌金属电池在储能领域引起了广泛关注，但这项任务面临着科学挑战，例如锌枝晶和不令人满意的剥离/电镀效率以及气体逸出。在此，缺乏阳离子的 Cu _{2– x} Te (Cu _1.81 Te) 被提议作为一种有吸引力的用于水系锌离子电池的插层负极材料。它提供了 0.2 V (vs Zn ²⁺ /Zn)的超平坦放电平台和 158 mAh g ^-1的容量，其中 86% 的容量来自 0.2 V 的放电平台。此外，它显示出优异的循环性能，100在 2.5 C (1 C = 242 mA g ⁻¹）。实验表征表明，它经历了顺序插入和转化机制：Zn ²⁺首先插入到 Cu _{2- x} Te 中，然后进一步转化为 Cu 和 ZnTe。理论计算表明，Cu _{2- x} Te中的晶体缺陷可以操纵电子结构以提高反应性并同时降低扩散势垒。此外，还展示了水性“摇椅”Cu _{2– x} Te//Na ₃ V ₂ (PO ₄ ) ₃  Zn 离子全电池。它提供 58 Wh kg ^-1的能量密度电压输出为0.98 V，1000次循环后容量保持率保持在92%。该研究为水性锌离子电池提供了一种超低放电平台和稳定的负极材料。