High-performance reversible aqueous Zinc-Ion battery based on Zn2+ pre-intercalation alpha-manganese dioxide nanowires/carbon nanotubes.

The as-prepared Zn x MnO 2 /CNTs shows the superior performance as cathode for ZIBs with a specific capacities of 400 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and outstanding long-cycle stability, which due to the Zn2+ pre-intercalation in alpha-manganese dioxide nanowires stabilize the tunnel structure during cycling and hierarchically hybrid carbon nanotubes enhanced electronic transmission. [Display omitted] Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted more and more attention due to the advantages of high safety, low cost, and environmental friendly in recent years. However, the lack of high-performance cathode materials and uncertain reaction mechanisms hinder the large-scale application of ZIBs. Herein, a 1D structure interlaced by Zn x MnO 2 nanowires and carbon nanotubes is synthesized as cathode material for ZIB. The Zn x MnO 2 /CNTs cathode exhibits excellent specific capacity of 400 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and outstanding long-cycle stability (with a capacity retention of 93% after 100 cycles at 1000 mA g−1), which indicates the Zn2+ pre-intercalation and composite carbon nanotubes can effectively change the storage space of the tunnel structure and increase the electron transmission rate. In addition, the energy storage mechanism of the highly reversible co-insertion of H+ and Zn2+ is further elaborated. This work has enlightenment and promotion for the future research of ZIBs cathode materials. Moreover, the simple preparation method, low cost and excellent performance of Zn x MnO 2 /CNTs cathode material provide a new way for the practical application of ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]