Issue 14, 2018

Unravelling the reaction chemistry and degradation mechanism in aqueous Zn/MnO2 rechargeable batteries

Abstract

Aqueous Zn/MnO2 rechargeable batteries utilizing a near neutral electrolyte have demonstrated great potential for large-scale energy storage applications, due to their safe and sustainable nature. Nevertheless, the reaction chemistry and degradation process associated with the MnO2-based cathode is not yet fully understood. Herein, a novel reversible Zn/MnO2 battery with zinc hydroxide sulfate (Zn4(OH)6SO4·5H2O, ZHS) as the cathode has been designed, where active MnO2 is formed in situ during the initial charge process from the Mn(II)-containing ZnSO4 electrolyte. A combination of electrochemical and material characterizations reveal two-step redox reactions (Mn(II) ions ⇌ ZnMn2O4 spinel ⇌ layered Zn-birnessite) during the charge–discharge process. Excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 100% after 1500 cycles is achieved at 500 mA g−1. The mechanism for long-term capacity fading is also studied. Cycling reversibility is destroyed by the irreversible consumption of Mn(II) to form woodruffite with a tunnel structure and poor electrochemical activity.

Graphical abstract: Unravelling the reaction chemistry and degradation mechanism in aqueous Zn/MnO2 rechargeable batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
31 Jan 2018
Accepted
06 Mar 2018
First published
06 Mar 2018

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018,6, 5733-5739

Unravelling the reaction chemistry and degradation mechanism in aqueous Zn/MnO2 rechargeable batteries

S. Zhao, B. Han, D. Zhang, Q. Huang, L. Xiao, L. Chen, D. G. Ivey, Y. Deng and W. Wei, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018, 6, 5733 DOI: 10.1039/C8TA01031E

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