In-situ growth of MnO2 nanorods on CN generates a heterostructure with the stability for zinc ion battery

The rate capabilities and cycle longevity of zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) with MnO2 as cathode have become restraining factors for their applications. Herein, through a constructing heterojunction strategy (CNx/MnO2), the capacitance-controlled rate of CNx/MnO2 is improved compared with that of MnO2 and the interplanar spacing of MnO2 is enhanced, which contribute to enhancing the reaction kinetics Zn2+. Particularly, the CN600/MnO2 displayed exceptional capacity (249 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent stability and rate capabilities (the capacity retention rate is about 77% after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1). Meanwhile, its mechanism is investigated by ex-situ XRD and DFT calculation. The research provided a new idea for superior electrochemical ZIBs.