Interlayer engineering-induced charge redistribution in Bi(2)Te(3) toward efficient Zn(2+) and NH(4) (+) storage.

Bismuth-based materials show promise for aqueous energy storage systems due to their unique layered structures and high storage capacity. Some bismuth-based materials have been applied to store Zn(2+) or NH(4) (+), indicating that one bismuth-based compound may be innovatively used in both zinc-ion and ammonium-ion batteries (ZIBs and AIBs). Herein, we successfully design a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coated and embedded Bi(2)Te(3) (Bi(2)Te(3)@PEDOT). Theoretical calculations and experimental studies demonstrate that the PEDOT coating and its intercalation into the interlayer enhance the structural stability of Bi(2)Te(3) and significantly improve the storage capacities for Zn(2+) and NH(4) (+). The PEDOT intercalation results in an increased interlayer spacing and a charge redistribution in the interlayer, facilitating charge transfer. Additionally, the insertion-type mechanism of Zn(2+) and NH(4) (+) in Bi(2)Te(3)@PEDOT is revealed through ex situ tests. The optimized electrode (5 mg cm(-2)) exhibits high discharge capacities of 385 mA h g(-1) in ZIBs and 235 mA h g(-1) in AIBs at 0.2 A g(-1) and long-term cycle stability. Bi(2)Te(3)@PEDOT performs robustly even at a high mass loading of 10 mg cm(-2). Bi(2)Te(3)@PEDOT//MnO(2) (ZIBs) and Bi(2)Te(3)@PEDOT//ZnMn(2)O(4) (AIBs) full cells offer high reversible capacities. This work provides a reference for designing bifunctional energy storage materials.