MnO2 Heterostructure on Carbon Nanotubes as Cathode Material for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Due to their cost effectiveness, high safety, and eco-friendliness, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are receiving much attention nowadays. In the production of rechargeable ZIBs, the cathode plays an important role. Manganese oxide (MnO2) is considered the most promising and widely investigated intercalation cathode material. Nonetheless, MnO2 cathodes are subjected to challenging issues viz. limited capacity, low rate capability and poor cycling stability. It is seen that the MnO2 heterostructure can enable long-term cycling stability in different types of energy devices. Herein, a versatile chemical method for the preparation of MnO2 heterostructure on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MNH-CNT) is reported. Besides, the synthesized MNH-CNT is composed of δ-MnO2 and γ-MnO2. A ZIB using the MNH-CNT cathode delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 236 mAh g−1 at 400 mA g−1, 108 mAh g−1 at 1600 mA g−1 and excellent cycling stability. A pseudocapacitive behavior investigation demonstrates fast zinc ion diffusion via a diffusion-controlled process with low capacitive contribution. Overall, the MNH-CNT cathode is seen to exhibit superior electrochemical performance. This work presents new opportunities for improving the discharge capacity and cycling stability of aqueous ZIBs.