A bimetallic ZIF-based cathode with additional supplements of Zn2+ for zinc ion battery

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are increasingly functioning as a promising energy storage alternative due to their high safety, abundant storage capacity, low cost and high energy density. However, its applications are restricted by such problems as cathode dissolution, side reactions and so on. Herein, the newly-developed Zn-containing cathode electrode material is characterized by MnZn bimetallic ZIF-8 nanoparticles grown in situ on carbon nanotube paper by solvothermal method. This Zn-containing cathode material is free from manganese dissolution by discarding the conventional MnO2 electrodes and reduce the generation of by-products. Moreover, it could also provide Zn2+ for reversible and stable Zn2+ ion intercalation/deintercalation. Its performance is optimized by improving the hydrothermal reaction atmosphere and changing the doping ratio of Mn and Zn atoms. The results showed that the Zn-containing cathode materials have a high discharge specific capacity of 532.7 mAh·g‐1 and excellent stability.