A Novel Dendrite‐Free Mn²⁺/Zn²⁺ Hybrid Battery with 2.3 V Voltage Window and 11000‐Cycle Lifespan

Abstract

Abstract With the increasing energy crisis and environmental pollution, rechargeable aqueous Zn‐based batteries (AZBs) are receiving unprecedented attention due to their list of merits, such as low cost, high safety, and nontoxicity. However, the limited voltage window, Zn dendrites, and relatively low specific capacity are still great challenges. In this work, a new reaction mechanism of reversible Mn 2+ ion oxidation deposition is introduced to AZBs. The assembled Mn 2+ /Zn 2+ hybrid battery (Mn 2+ /Zn 2+ HB) based on a hybrid storage mechanism including Mn 2+ ion deposition, Zn 2+ ion insertion, and conversion reaction of MnO 2 can achieve an ultrawide voltage window (0–2.3 V) and high capacity (0.96 mAh cm −2 ). Furthermore, the carbon nanotubes coated Zn anode is proved to effectively inhibit Zn dendrites and control side reaction, hence exhibiting an ultrastable cycling (33 times longer than bare Zn foil) without obvious polarization. Benefiting from the optimal Zn anode and highly reversible Mn 2+ /Zn 2+ hybrid storage mechanism, the Mn 2+ /Zn 2+ HB shows an excellent cycling performance over 11 000 cycles with a 100% capacity retention. To the best of the authors' knowledge, it is the highest reported cycling performance and wide voltage window for AZBs with mild electrolyte, which may inspire a great insight into designing high‐performance aqueous batteries.