Aqueous rechargeable Zn–MnOx batteries are very attractive due to their low‐cost and high energy density. However, Mn(III) disproportionation and Jahn–Teller distortion can induce Mn(II) dissolution and irreversible phase changes, greatly deteriorating the cycling life. Herein, a multi‐valence cobalt‐doped Mn3O4 (Co‐Mn3O4) with high capacity and reversibility, which lies in the multiple roles of the various states of doped cobalt, is reported. The Co2+ doping between the phase change product δ‐MnO2 layer acts as a “structural pillar,” and the Co4+ in the layer can increase the conductivity of Mn4+ and hold the high specific capacity. More importantly, Co ion (Co2+, Co3+) doping can effectively inhibit the Jahn–Teller effect in discharge products and promote ion diffusion. Using X‐ray absorption spectra results and density functional theory modelling, the multiple roles of doped cobalt are verified. Specifically, the Co‐Mn3O4 cathode shows high specific capacity of 362 mAh g–1 and energy density of 463.1 Wh kg–1 at 100 mA g–1. After 1100 cycles at 2.0 A g–1, the capacity retention rate reaches 80%. This work brings a new idea and approach to the design of highly reversible Mn‐based oxides cathode materials for Zn‐ion batteries.

In recent years, rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have received much attention. However, the disproportionation effect of Mn2+ seriously affects the capacity retention of ZIBs during cycling. Here, the capacity retention of the Mn3O4 cathode is improved by effective valence engineering. The valence engineering of Mn3O4 is caused by bulk oxygen defects, which are in situ derived from the Mn‐metal organic framework during carbonization. Bulk oxygen defects can change the (MnO6) octahedral structure, which improves structural stability and inhibits the dissolution of Mn2+. The ZIB assembled from bulk oxygen defects Mn3O4@C nanorod arrays (Od‐Mn3O4@C NA/CC) exhibits an ultra‐long cycle life, reaching 84.1 mAh g−1 after 12 000 cycles at 5 A g−1 (up to 95.7% of the initial capacity). Furthermore, the battery has a high specific capacity of 396.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. Ex situ characterization results show that initial Mn3O4 is converted to ramsdellite MnO2 for insertion and extraction of H+ and Zn2+. First‐principles calculations show that the charge density of Mn3+ increases greatly, which improves the conductivity. In addition, the flexible quasi‐solid‐state ZIB is successfully assembled using Od‐Mn3O4 @ C NA/CC. Valence engineering induced by bulk oxygen defects can help develop advanced cathodes for aqueous ZIB.

Developing highly efficient and durable alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts composed of earth-abundant materials is crucial for large-scale electrochemical hydrogen production. Herein, interfacial chemistry engineering is employed to decoupling...

Reversible hydroxyzinc sulfate hydrate deposition/dissolution in electrochemical process could be observed on cathode surface. Good long term stability retention could also be achieved at high current density of 20 A g−1.

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