Ultrathin δ-MnO2 nanoflakes with Na+ intercalation as a high-capacity cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Pristine δ-MnO₂ as the typical cathode for rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) suffers from sluggish reaction kinetics, which is the key issue to prepare high-performance manganese-based materials. In this work, Na⁺ incorporated into layered δ-MnO₂ (NMO) was prepared for ZIB cathodes with high capacity, high energy density, and excellent durable stability. By an effective fabricated strategy of hydrothermal synthesis, a three-dimensional interconnected δ-MnO₂ nanoflake network with Na⁺ intercalation showed a uniform array arrangement and high conductivity. Also, the H⁺ insertion contribution in the NMO cathode to the discharge capacity confirmed the fast electrochemical charge transfer kinetics due to the enhanced ion conductivity from the insertion of Na⁺ into the interlayers of the host material. Consequently, a neutral aqueous NMO-based ZIB revealed a superior reversible capacity of 335 mA h g⁻¹, and an impressive durability over 1000 cycles, and a peak gravimetric energy output of 459 W h kg⁻¹. As a proof of concept, the as-fabricated quasi-solid-state ZIB exhibited a remarkable capacity of 284 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹, and good practicability. This research demonstrated a significant enhancement of the electrochemical performance of MnO₂-based ZIBs by the intercalation of Na⁺ to regulate the microstructure and boost the electrochemical kinetics of the δ-MnO₂ cathode, thus providing a new insight for high-performance aqueous ZIBs.

Sodium-ion intercalated δ-MnO₂ nanoflakes are applied in an aqueous rechargeable zinc battery cathode with high energy density and excellent durable stability.