Due to the excellent specific capacity and high working voltage, manganese oxide (MnO 2 ) has attracted considerable attention for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). However, the irreversible structural collapse and sluggish ionic diffusion lead to poor rate capability and inferior lifespan. Herein, we proposed a novel organic/inorganic hybrid cathode of carbon-based poly(4,4'-oxybisbenzenamine)/MnO 2 (denoted as C@PODA/MnO 2 ) for AZIBs. Various in/ex situ analyses and theoretical calculations prove that PODA chains with C=N groups can provide a more active surface/ interface for ion/electron mobility and zinc ion storage in the hybrid cathode. More importantly, newly formed MnÀ N interfacial bonds can effectively promote ion diffusion and prevent Mn atoms dissolution, enhancing redox kinetics and structural integrity of MnO 2 . Accordingly, C@PODA/MnO 2 cathode exhibits high capacity (321 mAh g À 1 or 1.7 mAh cm À 2 at 0.1 A g À 1 ), superior rate performance (88 mAh g À 1 at 10 A g À 1 ) and excellent cycling stability over 2000 cycles. Hence, rational interfacial designs shed light on the development of organic/ inorganic cathodes for advanced AZIBs.
Dendrite formation severely compromises further development of zinc ion batteries. Increasing the nucleation overpotential plays a crucial role in achieving uniform deposition of metal ions. However, this strategy has not yet attracted enough attention from researchers to our knowledge. Here, we propose that thermodynamic nucleation overpotential of Zn deposition can be boosted through complexing agent and select sodium L-tartrate (Na-L) as example. Theoretical and experimental characterization reveals L-tartrate anion can partially replace H2O in the solvation sheath of Zn2+, increasing de-solvation energy. Concurrently, the Na+ could absorb on the surface of Zn anode preferentially to inhibit the deposition of Zn2+ aggregation. In consequence, the overpotential of Zn deposition could increase from 32.2 to 45.1 mV with the help of Na-L. The Zn-Zn cell could achieve a Zn utilization rate of 80% at areal capacity of 20 mAh cm−2. Zn-LiMn2O4 full cell with Na-L additive delivers improved stability than that with blank electrolyte. This study also provides insight into the regulation of nucleation overpotential to achieve homogeneous Zn deposition.
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