PPy-Modified Prussian Blue Cathode Materials for Low-Cost and Cycling-Stable Aqueous Zinc-Based Hybrid Battery

Abstract

Prussian blue analogs are promising cathode materials in aqueous ion batteries that have attracted increasing attention, but their low specific capacity and limited cycling stability remain to be further improved. Effective strategies to optimize the electrochemical performance of Prussian blue cathode materials are the aspects of electrolyte and structure modification. In this work, Na2MnFe(CN)6@PPy nanocubes were prepared by a simple co-precipitation method with PPy coating. Compared with the uncoated electrode material, the discharged capacity of the Na2MnFe(CN)6@PPy cathode material is raised from 25.2 to 55.0 mAh g−1 after 10 cycles in the Na-Zn hybrid electrolyte, while the capacity retention is improved from 63.5% to 86.5% after 150 cycles, indicating higher capacity and better stability. This work also investigates the electrochemical performances of Na2MnFe(CN)6@PPy cathode material in hybrid electrolyte of Li-Zn and K-Zn adjusted via different mixed ion solutions. The relevant results provide an innovative way to optimize advanced aqueous hybrid batteries from the perspective of cycling stability.