CuMnO2 nanosheets for high performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Zinc-ion batteries based on aqueous electrolytes have great advantages over organic ones. Here, CuMnO2 nanosheets with a thickness of about 10 nm have been prepared by a hydrothermal method assisted by nitrilotriacetic acid. Benefiting from its layered structure and unique two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets, the as-prepared CuMnO2 nanosheets are a good host for fast zinc ion transport, high capacity, and reversible electrochemical reactions, as well as excellent cycling stability. Specifically, a zinc storage capacity of 299.1 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and stable cycling (189.9 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles), fast diffusion kinetics of Zn-ions (1.52 × 10−13 cm2 s−1), and good rate capabilities (78 mAh g−1 even at 2.0 A g−1) are achieved. This work suggests a potential candidate cathode for zinc-ion batteries.