Substrate-Enabled Room-Temperature Electrochemical Deposition of Crystalline ZnMnO3.

Abstract

Mixed transition metal oxides have emerged as promising electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. To optimize the functional electrode properties, synthesis approaches allowing for a systematic tailoring of the materials' composition, crystal structure and morphology are urgently needed. Here we report on the room-temperature electrodeposition of a ternary oxide based on earth-abundant metals, specifically, the defective cubic spinel ZnMnO3 . In this unprecedented approach, ZnO surfaces act as (i) electron source for the interfacial reduction of MnO4 - in aqueous solution, (ii) as substrate for epitaxial growth of the deposit and (iii) as Zn precursor for the formation of ZnMnO3 . Epitaxial growth of ZnMnO3 on the lateral facets of ZnO nanowires assures effective electronic communication between the electroactive material and the conducting scaffold and gives rise to a pronounced 2-dimensional morphology of the electrodeposit forming - after partial delamination from the substrate - twisted nanosheets. The synthesis strategy shows promise for the direct growth of different mixed transition metal oxides as electroactive phase onto conductive substrates and thus for the fabrication of binder-free nanocomposite electrodes.