Polypyrrole-coated porous Mn2O3 spheres as a high-performance cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
摘要
The construction of high-performance manganese-based cathode materials with good charge and discharge stability is the key to the development of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. In this study, a Mn2O3@PPy composite cathode was successfully synthesized by integrating porous Mn2O3 spheres with a conductive polypyrrole (PPy) coating. The electrochemical performance and Zn2+ storage mechanism of the composite were systematically investigated. The PPy layer, as a conductive and protective layer, can enhance electrical conductivity, reduce interfacial charge transfer resistance, and prevent immediate contact between Mn2O3 and the electrolyte. This effectually suppresses the Mn3+ disproportionation reaction, thereby enhancing structural stability and extending the cycling lifespan of the electrode. It can be concluded that the Mn2O3@PPy cathode achieves an initial discharge capacity as high as 456.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Notably, even after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1, it retains a capacity of 101.5 mAh g−1, demonstrating excellent cycling stability and durability.