Acidity ‐Aided Surface Modification Strategy to Enhance In Situ MnO2 Deposition for High Performance Zn‐MnO2 Battery Prototypes

This study optimizes electrolyte pH to extend cycling by influencing two-electron MnO2/Mn2+ reaction for high voltage operation. It integrates a carbon-based current collector with a high density of structural defects for enhanced cycling. With impressive performance and minimal decay over 400 cycles in a flooded stack-type cell architecture, these batteries present a promising practical solution for large-scale energy storage applications. AbstractZn –MnO2 batteries offer cost-effective, eco-friendly, and efficient solutions for large-scale energy storage applications. However, challenges, like irreversible cathode reactions, prolonged cyclability, and electrolyte stability during high-voltage operations limit their broader application. This study provides insight into the charge –discharge process through in situ deposition of activeβ-MnO2 nanoflakes on a carbon-based current collector. The study elucidates the effect of pH and electrolyte concentration on chemical conversion reactions with Zn, in particular focus on their impact on the two-electron MnO2/Mn2+ reaction crucial for high voltage operation. The electrolyte, characterized by being relatively lean in Mn2+ and with a targeted low pH, enables extended cycling. This research achieves greater cycling durability by integrating  a carbon-based cathode current collector with high density of structural defects in combination with cell architectures suitable for large-scale energy storage. A flooded stack-type Zn–...
Source: Small - Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research