Mn₃O₄@NC Composite Nanorods as a Cathode for Rechargeable Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Abstract Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted escalating attention recently, owing to their energy density, decreasing cost, advanced safety, and environmental benignity. Nevertheless, ZIBs still lack suitable cathode materials with stable cycling performance, owing to the high polarization of zinc ion. Therefore, developing candidate materials with excellent properties remains a great challenge. Herein, we successfully synthesize a novel Mn 3 O 4 @N‐doped carbon matrix composite nanorods (Mn 3 O 4 @NC Nrs) by using MnOOH nanorods (the self‐sacrifice templates) and polypyrrole (carbon and nitrogen source). Benefiting from the N‐doped carbon shell and the synergetic effect of Zn 2+ and Mn 2+ in the electrolyte, the Mn 3 O 4 @NC Nrs show superior cycling stability and long cycling features for ZIBs. Specifically, the zinc cell conducts a high reversible capacity of 280 mAh g −1 at 100 mA g −1 and retains a high reversible capacity of 97 mAh g −1 at 1000 mA g −1 after 700 cycles. In addition, the work provides a new approach to fabricate long‐term and high‐rate capability cathodes for ZIBs.