Aqueous Zinc-ion Batteries Research Articles

Solvent Free Mechano-Chemical Approach for the Preparation of Manganese Dioxide as Cathode Component for Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Ion Batteries

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ARZIBs) have emerged as promising candidates for cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions. However, achieving energy densities comparable to commercial lithium-ion batteries requires the development of advanced cathode materials. In this study, we present a simple, solvent-free mechano-chemical method for synthesizing manganese dioxide (MnO₂) as a cathode material for ARZIBs. The structural and morphological properties of the prepared MnO₂ were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The FTIR spectrum showed a characteristic Mn–O stretching vibration at 529 cm⁻¹, while XRD confirmed the formation of a tetragonal α-MnO₂ phase. SEM analysis revealed porous surface morphology with particle size variation, and EDX confirmed the elemental composition of Mn and O only. Electrochemical performance was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) at a scan rate of 1 mV/s in a CR2032 coin cell, which exhibited distinct and reversible redox peaks. These results indicate the effectiveness of the prepared MnO₂ as a viable cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Journal of Engineering Science 16(1), 2025, 93-102

Tolerant Molecular Engineering for High-Rate and Ultra-Long Cycle Life Zinc Anode.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries have emerged as a promising technology for grid-scale energy storage due to their low cost and high safety. However, dendrites and side reactions at the zinc anode severely deteriorate their cycle stability. Herein, to mitigate these issues, a molecular tolerance mechanism, inspired by cell membranes in extreme plants, is employed to engineer the zinc anode surface. The molecular layer enhances both the desolvation process and transport rate of zinc ions, thereby suppressing the dendrite formation. The interfacial side reactions caused by excessive water molecules in solvated ions are practically minimized as well, thus the zinc anode turns more durable and robust under high-rate conditions. Specifically, at a moderate current density of 1mAcm-2@1mAhcm-2, the cycle stability of the zinc anode is improved to 8800h, and up to 1100h at a high current density of 10mAcm-2@5mAhcm-2. This work offers valuable insights into interfacial design for developing zinc ion batteries with long cycle life and fast-charging capabilities.

Construction of high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries by guest pre-intercalation MnO2-based cathodes.

Construction of high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries by guest pre-intercalation MnO2-based cathodes.

Engineering low-cost multifunctional carbon interface layer with hydrophobic negative surface and oriented zinc deposition dynamics for dendrite-free zinc ion batteries.

Engineering low-cost multifunctional carbon interface layer with hydrophobic negative surface and oriented zinc deposition dynamics for dendrite-free zinc ion batteries.

Ultrasonic synthesis of conducting polymers intercalated potassium vanadate nanofiber composites as cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Ultrasonic synthesis of conducting polymers intercalated potassium vanadate nanofiber composites as cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Stepwise zinc deposition for high-capacity and long-life anode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Stepwise zinc deposition for high-capacity and long-life anode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Performance comparison and analysis of V2O5 materials synthesized under different precursors and the application in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Performance comparison and analysis of V2O5 materials synthesized under different precursors and the application in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Continuous multivariate conversion processes for stabilized anode in aqueous zinc-ion battery

Continuous multivariate conversion processes for stabilized anode in aqueous zinc-ion battery

Reconfiguring solvation network and interfacial engineering of Zn metal anode with biomass carbon quantum dot.

Reconfiguring solvation network and interfacial engineering of Zn metal anode with biomass carbon quantum dot.

Coordination optimization of central V atoms induced by Cu2+ for enhanced Zn2+ storage in layered vanadium oxides.

Coordination optimization of central V atoms induced by Cu2+ for enhanced Zn2+ storage in layered vanadium oxides.

The Impact of Aluminum Doping on the Performance of MgV2O4 Spinel Cathodes for High-Rate Zinc-Ion Energy Storage

This study explores the development of aluminum-doped MgV2O4 spinel cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), addressing the challenges of poor Zn2+ ion diffusion and structural instability. Al3+ ions were pre-inserted into the spinel structure using a sol-gel method, which enhanced the material’s structural stability and electrical conductivity. The doping of Al3+ mitigates the electrostatic interactions between Zn2+ ions and the cathode, thereby improving ion diffusion and facilitating efficient charge/discharge processes. While pseudocapacitive behavior plays a dominant role in fast charge storage, the diffusion of Zn2+ within the bulk material remains crucial for long-term performance and stability. Our findings demonstrate that Al-MgV2O4 exhibits enhanced Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and robust structural integrity under high-rate cycling conditions, contributing to its high electrochemical performance. The Al-MgVO cathode retains a capacity of 254.3 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 10 A g−1 after 1000 cycles (93.6% retention), and 186.8 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 after 2000 cycles (90.2% retention). These improvements, driven by enhanced bulk diffusion and the stabilization of the crystal framework through Al3+ doping, make it a promising candidate for high-rate energy storage applications.

Biomimetic shunt effects to simultaneously regulate solvation and interface structure for high-performance Zn metal anode.

Biomimetic shunt effects to simultaneously regulate solvation and interface structure for high-performance Zn metal anode.

Establishing Ohmic contact with ultra-thin semiconductor layer through magnetron sputtering for dendrite-free Zn metal batteries.

Establishing Ohmic contact with ultra-thin semiconductor layer through magnetron sputtering for dendrite-free Zn metal batteries.

An activated Prussian blue interphase enhancing H+ storage of MnO2 cathode for aqueous zinc ion battery

An activated Prussian blue interphase enhancing H+ storage of MnO2 cathode for aqueous zinc ion battery

Mechanochemically and microstructurally intensified kilogram-grade MnO2 for aqueous zinc ion batteries with ultrahigh rate and ultrafast air self-charging

Mechanochemically and microstructurally intensified kilogram-grade MnO2 for aqueous zinc ion batteries with ultrahigh rate and ultrafast air self-charging

MoSe2 hybrid superlattice with expanded interlayer spacing and enriched 1T phase for aqueous zinc ion batteries

MoSe2 hybrid superlattice with expanded interlayer spacing and enriched 1T phase for aqueous zinc ion batteries

A novel electrochemically-induced layered MnO2 cathode for high-rate and long-life aqueous zinc-ion battery

A novel electrochemically-induced layered MnO2 cathode for high-rate and long-life aqueous zinc-ion battery

Morphological effect of waxberry-like superstructured carbon enabling high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery with prolonged cyclability and reliable operability in cold environment

Morphological effect of waxberry-like superstructured carbon enabling high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery with prolonged cyclability and reliable operability in cold environment

Organic/inorganic cation co-intercalated ammonium vanadate cathode for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Organic/inorganic cation co-intercalated ammonium vanadate cathode for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Vanadium-based metal-organic frameworks derived V2O3@carbon supported on carbonized wood fibers for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Vanadium-based metal-organic frameworks derived V2O3@carbon supported on carbonized wood fibers for aqueous zinc-ion batteries