g-C₃N₄-coated MnO₂ hollow nanorod cathode for stable aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are attracting considerable attention because of their high safety compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries. Manganese-based materials have been widely developed for zinc-ion batteries cathode owning to their low cost, high security and simple preparation. However, the severe volume expansion and poor stability during charging and discharging limit the further development of manganese-based cathodes. Herein, superior α-MnO₂@g-C₃N₄ was successfully prepared for stable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) cathode by introducing g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. Compared with pure α-MnO₂, α-MnO₂@g-C₃N₄ has a specific capacity of 298 mAh·g^–1 at 0.1 A·g^–1. Even at 1 A·g^–1, the α-MnO₂@g-C₃N₄ still retains 100 mAh·g^–1 (83.4% retention after 5000 cycles), implying its excellent cycling stability. The α-MnO₂@g-C₃N₄-based cathode has the highest energy density (563 Wh·kg^–1) and power energy density (2170 W·kg^–1). This work provides new avenues for the development of a wider range of cathode materials for ZIBs.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

α-MnO₂ hollow nanorods / g-C₃N₄ / heterojunction / aqueous Zn-ion batteries

References

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