α-MnO2/CNTs with cross-linked reticular structure: Towards ultralong life zinc-ion batteries

MnO2 as the cathode material of Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) has attracted great attention. In order to further improve the performance of ZIBs, MnO2 hollow nanorobs and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are compounded to obtain α-MnO2/CNTs nanocomposites in which robs and tubes are entangled with each other and present the cross-linked reticular structure. This structure of α-MnO2/CNTs electrode is obtained through hydrothermal strategy and provides large space for the volume variation of MnO2 during the charge and discharge process. The α-MnO2/CNTs composite displays an excellent initial discharge capacity of 302 mAh·g−1 at 100 mA·g−1, and keeps 116 mAh·g−1 at 2000 mA·g−1 (78.4% retention after 2000 cycles). This composite provides a new way for the further application of ZIBs.