Interfacial Designing of MnO2 Half-Wrapped by Aromatic Polymers for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Due to the excellent specific capacity and high working voltage, manganese oxide (MnO2) has attracted considerable attention for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). However, the irreversible structural collapse and sluggish ionic diffusion lead to poor rate capability and inferior lifespan. Herein, we proposed a novel organic/inorganic hybrid cathode of carbon-based poly(4,4 '-oxybisbenzenamine)/MnO2 (denoted as C@PODA/MnO2) for AZIBs. Various in/ex situ analyses and theoretical calculations prove that PODA chains with C=N groups can provide a more active surface/interface for ion/electron mobility and zinc ion storage in the hybrid cathode. More importantly, newly formed Mn-N interfacial bonds can effectively promote ion diffusion and prevent Mn atoms dissolution, enhancing redox kinetics and structural integrity of MnO2. Accordingly, C@PODA/MnO2 cathode exhibits high capacity (321 mAh g(-1) or 1.7 mAh cm(-2) at 0.1 A g(-1)), superior rate performance (88 mAh g(-1) at 10 A g(-1)) and excellent cycling stability over 2000 cycles. Hence, rational interfacial designs shed light on the development of organic/inorganic cathodes for advanced AZIBs.

Automated summary

This study presents a novel organic/inorganic hybrid cathode of carbon-based poly(4,4'-oxybisbenzenamine)/MnO2 for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The interfacial design between PODA chains and MnO2 enhances ion and electron mobility, prevents Mn atom dissolution, and improves redox kinetics and structural integrity of MnO2. The C@PODA/MnO2 cathode exhibits high capacity, superior rate performance, and excellent cycling stability.