Theory‐Driven Design of a Cationic Accelerator for High‐Performance Electrolytic MnO2–Zn Batteries

Aqueous electrolytic MnO2 -Zn batteries are considered as one of the most promising energy-storage devices for their cost effectiveness, high output voltage, and safety, but their electrochemical performance is limited by the sluggish kinetics of cathodic MnO2 /Mn2+ and anodic Zn/Zn2+ reactions. To overcome this critical challenge, herein, a cationic accelerator (CA) strategy is proposed based on the prediction of first-principles calculations. Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) is utilized as a model to testify the rational design of the CA strategy. It manifests that the CA effectively facilitates rapid cations migration in electrolyte and adequate charge transfer at electrode-electrolyte interface, benefiting the deposition/dissolution processes of both Mn2+ and Zn2+ cations to simultaneously improve kinetics of cathodic MnO2 /Mn2+ and anodic Zn/Zn2+ reactions. The resulting MnO2 -Zn battery regulated by CA exhibits large reversible capacities of 455 mAh g-1 and 3.64 mAh cm-2 at 20 C, as well as a long lifespan of 2000 cycles with energy density retention of 90%, achieving one of the best overall performances in the electrolytic MnO2 -Zn batteries. This comprehensive work integrating theoretical prediction with experimental studies provides opportunities to the development of high-performance energy-storage devices.