Polyaniline Cathode Research Articles

Engineering in situ heterometallic layer for robust Zn electrochemistry in extreme Zn(BF4)2 electrolyte environment

The performance of zinc metal batteries is critically affected by the electrolyte environment originating from various zinc salt formulations. Zn(BF4)2, in particular, offers a notable cost advantage and its fluoride-containing groups facilitate the formation of a beneficial ZnF2 interfacial layer, thereby making it a promising candidate for application. Nonetheless, the strong acidity of the Zn(BF4)2-based electrolyte exacerbates the dendrite formation and promotes parasitic reactions, leading to rapid battery failure. Herein, M(BF4)n (M: Cu, Sn, In) salts were adopted as additives in Zn(BF4)2 electrolyte to in situ construct the heterometallic layers. Through comparison, the In(BF4)3-derived ZnIn interface demonstrates superior corrosion-resistance capability and the strongest zinc affinity, protecting the anode from acidic erosion and accelerating the Zn2+ transportation kinetics. The symmetric cell with the optimized electrolyte exhibits a long lifespan of 2500 cycles while the full cell involving the polyaniline cathode also presents a high capacity retention of 81.3 % after 1500 cycles, outperforming the cell with the original Zn(BF4)2 electrolyte. The strategy of generating an interface layer within the battery through electrolyte additives can be readily applied to other metal battery technologies.

Energetic and durable all-polymer aqueous battery for sustainable, flexible power

All-polymer aqueous batteries, featuring electrodes and electrolytes made entirely from polymers, advance wearable electronics through their processing ease, inherent safety, and sustainability. Challenges persist with the instability of polymer electrode redox products in aqueous environments, which fail to achieve high performance in all-polymer aqueous batteries. Here, we report a polymer-aqueous electrolyte designed to stabilize polymer electrode redox products by modulating the solvation layers and forming a solid-electrolyte interphase. Polyaniline is selected as an example for its dual functionality as a cathode or anode working by p/n doping mechanisms. This approach pioneers the application of polyaniline as an anode and enhances the high-voltage stability of polyaniline cathode in an aqueous electrolyte. The resulting all-polymer aqueous sodium-ion battery with polyaniline as symmetric electrodes exhibits a high capacity of 139 mAh/g, energy density of 153 Wh/kg, and a retention of over 92% after 4800 cycles. Spectroscopic characterizations have elucidated the hydration structure, solid-electrolyte interphase, and dual-ion doping mechanism. Large-scale all-polymer flexible batteries are fabricated with excellent flexibility and recyclability, heralding a paradigmatic approach to sustainable, wearable energy storage.

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids as proton reservoir for stable polyaniline cathode in zinc-iodine batteries

Aqueous zinc (Zn)-iodine (I2) batteries (ZIBs) are promising large-scale energy storage systems with high safety and low cost. However, the practical application of ZIBs is hindered by the dissolution of I3- ions, which leads to the shuttle effect and the loss of active iodine. Herein, we adopt an electrolyte modification strategy using two imidazolium-based ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([BMIM]I) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([EMIM]I)) as electrolyte additives to restrain the dissolution of I3- ions and enhance the performance of ZIBs. To be specific, the imidazole rings in [BMIM]+ and [EMIM]+ can be used as the proton sources, promoting the conversion of imine to protonated amines –NH+= in the polyaniline and subsequent adsorption of I3- ions. Therefore, the dissolution of I3- ions and shuttle effect are prevented, facilitating the reaction kinetics of cathode. As a proof of concept, the ZIB using [BMIM]I and [EMIM]I as electrolyte additives demonstrates remarkable cycling performance (72.2 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles) at a high current density of 20 mA cm−2

Enhanced Polyaniline Cathode in Capacity and Cyclability of Zinc Metal Batteries by Natural Glycyrrhizic Acid Self-Doping

Enhanced Polyaniline Cathode in Capacity and Cyclability of Zinc Metal Batteries by Natural Glycyrrhizic Acid Self-Doping

Improving Electrochemical Performance in Planar On-Chip Zn-ion Micro-Batteries via Interlayer Strategies.

The imperative development of planar on-chip micro-batteries featuring high-capacity electrodes and environmentally safer, cost-effective, and stable systems is crucial for powering forthcoming miniaturized systems-on-chip smart devices. However, research in the area of high-stability micro-batteries is limited due to the complex fabrication process, the stability of micro-electrodes during cycling, and the challenge of maintaining higher capacity within a limited device footprint. In response to this need, this study focuses on providing highly stable and high-capacity micro-electrodes. This involves adding a PEDOT layer between the electrode material and the current collector, applied within a planar polyaniline cathode and zinc anode device structure to enhance charge storage performance. This straightforward strategy not only improves device stability over long-term cycling and reduces charge transfer resistance but also increases charge storage capacities from 17.64 to 19.75 µAhcm- 2 at 0.1 mAcm- 2. Consequently, the Zn-ion micro-batteries achievenotable peak areal energy and power of 18.82 µWhcm- 2 and 4.37 mWcm- 2, respectively. This work proposes an effective strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of planar micro-batteries, a critical advancement for the development of advanced portable electronics.

Unlocking the stable interface in aqueous zinc-ion battery with multifunctional xylose-based electrolyte additives

The growth of dendrites and the side reactions occurring at the Zn anode pose significant challenges to the commercialization of aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs). These challenges arise from the inherent conflict between mass transfer and electrochemical kinetics. In this study, we propose the use of a multifunctional electrolyte additive based on the xylose (Xylo) molecule to address these issues by modulating the solvation structure and electrode/electrolyte interface, thereby stabilizing the Zn anode. The introduction of the additive alters the solvation structure, creating steric hindrance that impedes charge transfer and then reduces electrochemical kinetics. Furthermore, in-situ analyses demonstrate that the reconstructed electrode/electrolyte interface facilitates stable and rapid Zn2+ ion migration and suppresses corrosion and hydrogen evolution reactions. As a result, symmetric cells incorporating the Xylo additive exhibit significantly enhanced reversibility during the Zn plating/stripping process, with an impressively long lifespan of up to 1986 h, compared to cells using pure ZnSO4 electrolyte. When combined with a polyaniline cathode, the full cells demonstrate improved capacity and long-term cyclic stability. This work offers an effective direction for improving the stability of Zn anode via electrolyte design, as well as high-performance AZIBs.

Copper recovery with electricity generation using reduced graphene oxide/ polyaniline cathode electrode in microbial fuel cell

This research studied the amount of Cu recovery using a two-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). The effect of initial Cu concentration in the cathode and also different cathode materials including carbon cloth (CC), carbon cloth modified with reduced graphene oxide (CC/rGO), and carbon cloth modified with reduced graphene oxide and polyaniline (CC/rGO/PANI) was examined. Analysis of the statistical results showed the CC/rGO/PANI electrode compared to the other two electrodes significantly better performance (p-value <0.05), and amount of Cu recovery at 100 mg/L was significantly higher than at 500 mg/L (p-value <0.001). The highest voltage obtained in the open circuit voltage (OCV) condition was 561 mV. The CC/rGO/PANI electrode achieved a Cu recovery rate of 99.3 %, a maximum output voltage of 647 mV, and a maximum power density of 981 mW/m³ after 120 h at an initial Cu concentration of 500 mg/L. Based on regression efficient for kinetic Cu recovery was examined and result showed the first-order rate (R2 = 0.98) has more accurate prediction and explanation of the reaction.

Polyaniline/graphene oxide nanocomposite as an innovative cathode for high energy density aqueous zinc-ion batteries

In order to resolve hard processability, poor conductive and lower capacity of polyaniline(PANI), We design and obtain a nanofiber network polyaniline/graphene oxide(PGO) and polyaniline/graphene oxide/manganese dioxide(PMGO) composite cathode. They are synthesized by electrochemical in-situ intercalative polymerization on oxidized graphite paper and assembled with the zinc anode into aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs). The initial discharged specific capacity of the PGO cathode is 224 mAh·g-1, and it is lower than that of the PMGO electrode when it discharges at 200mA·g-1. However, the capacity can reach 345 mAh·g-1 with better stability and reversibility compared to the PMGO under the same discharge/charge conditions. Characterization analysis and electrochemical studies show that the PGO composite cathode provides a large specific surface and charge/discharge channel, which optimizes the electrochemical performance of the battery. We also propose a new energy storage mechanism for intercalating PANI into graphene oxide(GO) layers to construct a nano-three-dimensional(3D) network for AZIBs and a proton pool with a hydrogen bond network of the PGO electrode. It is profitable for hindering the polarization, facilitating the electrode reaction, and enhancing the capacity and stability. For these reasons, the storage performance of the PGO electrode is superior to the polyaniline cathode reported at present.

Nanoconfined Supercooled Water in Hydrated Two-Dimensional Polyaniline for Sub-Zero Solid-State Zinc-Ion Hybrid Capacitor.

Solid-state electrochemical energy systems have attracted numerous attentions for their excellent performance, high safety, and low cost. Recently, ice of aqueous electrolytes is reported as a new kind solid-state electrolyte for low-temperature solid-state devices. However, the lack of kinetically favorable electrodes hampers the performance of this new class of icy electrolyte-based solid-state devices at sub-zero temperatures. In this work, a hydrated layered polyaniline cathode active material (h-LPANi) with nanoconfined supercooled water by metatungstate clusters is utilized to improve the performance of sub-zero solid-state zinc ion hybrid capacitors (ZIHCs). The interlayer confined hydrated network of h-LPANi improves kinetics, surpassing pristine polyaniline and conventional porous carbon-based active materials. At -15°C, the solid-state iced ZIHCs with h-LPANi cathode demonstrate an areal energy density of 580.0µWhcm-2 at 1.1mWcm-2 and 155.7µWhcm-2 at 43.3mWcm-2, surpassing other low-temperature solid-state ZIHCs with conventional cathodes.

A water-in-lactone electrolyte with controllable water activity for highly reversible zinc anodes

Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries, offering the advantages of intrinsic safety, affordability, and superior recyclability, represent an emerging technology for stationary energy storage. However, the practical application of the technology is fundamentally blocked by the instability of the zinc anode/electrolyte interface caused by the water-induced hydrogen evolution reaction and Zn dendrite growth. Here, we formulate a water-in-lactone electrolyte to effectively regulate the water activity by adjusting the molar ratio of H2O to green γ-valerolactone. The γ-valerolactone not only enters the solvation shell of Zn2+ ions, excluding nearly all bound water molecules, but also interacts with free water via forming intermolecular hydrogen bonds, thus completely confining water molecules within γ-valerolactone network. As a result, the water-in-lactone electrolyte minimizes hydrogen evolution side reactions and promotes uniform zinc electrodeposition. The coulombic efficiency of Zn ‖ Ti asymmetric cells is improved to 99.6 % over 500 cycles at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 and an areal capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. The cycling lifespan of Zn ‖ Zn symmetric cells is extended to more than 1100 h with the water-in-lactone electrolyte, much higher than that with the pure water electrolyte (less than 250 h). When coupled with polyaniline cathodes, Zn full cells utilizing the newly formulated electrolyte demonstrate enhanced cycling stability with a capacity retention of 73 % after ∼500 cycles at 200 mA g−1. Moreover, the water-in-lactone electrolyte enhances the temperature tolerance of Zn ion capacitors with activated carbon cathodes, allowing stable operation from −20 ℃ to 80 ℃. This work further sheds light on the significant correlation between water activity and the performance of zinc anodes, and hopefully contributes to the advancement of stable aqueous zinc batteries.

Potassium Phthalimide Doped with Delta‐Site Structures to Construct Ultra‐Long Cycle Life Aqueous Zn‐Polymer Batteries

AbstractAqueous Zn‐polymer batteries hold great promise for environmentally friendly energy storage systems. However, the poor cycling performance caused by irreversible structural deformation and polymer chain entanglement during the embedding and de‐embedding processes of Zn2+ and H+ ions is one of the key challenges facing their development. Here a new polyaniline cathode doped is developed with potassium phthalimide using a secondary doping approach. This polymeric electrode integrates the conjugated backbone for charge transport with an anionic phthalimide dopant for constructing a triangular‐site structure, as illustrated by the density functional theory calculations. This unique molecular structure is favorable for improving conductivity and structural stability by effectively modulating the localized electron cloud density. The Zn‐polymer battery holds an outstanding capacity retention of 76.1% after 25,000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1 with the coulombic efficiency maintained above 99.4%. This secondary doped polymer strategy offers a new host alternative for the ultra‐long cycle life of Zn‐polymer batteries. The molecular design strategy and the insight into the relationship between the structure and performance may provide some guidelines for developing polymer cathodes with high stability.

High performance rechargeable aluminium ion batteries enabled by full utilization and understanding of polyaniline cathodes

As a renowned conductive polymer, polyaniline (PANI) shows remarkable potential in organic cathode materials for rechargeable aluminium ion batteries (RAIBs). However, existing research has not given sufficient understanding and explanation of the structure and states of PANI but failed to achieve ideal electrochemical performance. In this study, we differentiate and investigate for the first time its primary-doped (PANI-1), re-doped (PANI-Re), secondary-doped (PANI-2), and emeraldine based (PANI-EB) forms, meanwhile attempt to enhance the conductivity of PANI-EB using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PANI-EB@C). Among them, the high-doped PANI-2 and non-doped PANI-EB exhibit theoretical capacity utilization far superior to lower doped PANI-1 and PANI-Re, with both specific capacities reaching approximately 225 mAh/g (full capacity utilization rate of 76.53 %) at a current density of 1 A/g, while maintaining capacity retention rates of 92.89 % after 2000 cycles and 92.44 % after 5000 cycles, respectively. Furthermore, the high-conductivity PANI-EB@C displays a discharge specific capacity of 284 mAh/g (full capacity utilization rate of 96.59 %), with a capacity retention rate of 91.19 % after 5000 cycles. Electrochemical analysis, Gaussian theoretical calculations, ex-situ characterization collectively indicate that the electrochemical performance of doped PANI is positively correlated with the degree of doping-induced conductivity changes, while the unique internal redox process of PANI-EB enhances the release of performance and could be further optimized by the assistant of conductivity medium. This work advances the classification of the electrochemical performance and structural understanding of PANI cathode materials to an extremely high stage, towards the practical application of a low-cost, high-performance, sustainable, and green cathode material in large-scale energy storage devices.

A “two cooking with one fish” strategy for modulating both polyaniline cathode and zinc anode towards enhanced kinetics and cycling stability for aqueous zinc ion batteries

The adverse stability of both polyaniline (PANI) and Zn anode remains a challenge to the long−term cyclability and rate capability of aqueous Zn−PANI batteries. Herein, a “two–cooking with one fish” strategy is presented to modulate both PANI cathode and Zn anode, in which nanoscale graphene sheets in cathode can promote ordered growth of PANI array, being conducive to provide large electrochemical active area and efficient transport pathways and alleviate volume variation during repeated charging/discharging process. Meanwhile, the honeycomb–like structure of graphene sheets as protective layer can accelerate zinc ion transport kinetics and suppress side reactions and zinc dendrite growth. Consequently, the optimized G/Zn symmetric cell delivers a remarkable lifespan over 1000 h at 1 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the assembled PANI/G/CC||G/Zn battery could deliver a specific capacity of 265.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, excellent rate capability (145.5 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1), a maximum energy density of 246.9 W h kg−1 and power density of 8675.9 W kg−1, and especially capacity retention of 91.1 % after 10000 cycles. Combining with additional merits of low cost, eco–friendliness, and safe operation, our design will shed light on resolving the issues on cyclability and rate capability of aqueous Zn−PANI batteries.

Highly Stable Polyaniline-Based Cathode Material Enabled by Phosphorene for Zinc-Ion Batteries with Superior Specific Capacity and Cycle Life.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are regarded as a type of promising energy-storage device because of their high safety and low cost, and polyaniline (PANI) is normally employed as a cathode material for ZIBs owing to its unique electrochemical properties and high environmental stability. However, a low specific capacity and a short cycle life limit the development and applications of PANI-based electrodes. Herein, we have developed a novel type of highly stable PANI-based cathode material enabled by phosphene (PR) for aqueous Zn-PANI batteries through in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The introduction of PR nanoflakes not only inhibits the degradation of PANI and generates more active sites for Zn2+ storage but also enables a synergistic effect of the Zn2+ insertion/extraction and P-Zn alloying reaction. This promotes a high reversible specific capacity of 240.2 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 and excellent rate performance for the PR/PANI nanocomposite cathode material. Compared to the pristine PANI cathode material, the PR/PANI nanocomposite cathode material is more suitable for the Zn-PANI battery, thanks to its higher specific capacity and better cycle stability. This study provides an innovative approach for developing the next generation of reliable PR-based electrode materials for aqueous energy-storage devices.

One-step hydrothermal synthesis of vanadium dioxide/carbon core–shell composite with improved ammonium ion storage for aqueous ammonium-ion battery

Aqueous nonmetallic ion batteries have garnered significant interest due to their cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and inherent safety features. Specifically, ammonium ion (NH4+) as a charge carrier has garnered more and more attention recently. However, one of the persistent challenges is enhancing the electrochemical properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) with a tunnel structure, which serves as a highly efficient NH4+ (de)intercalation host material. Herein, a novel architecture, wherein carbon-coated VO2 nanobelts (VO2@C) with a core–shell structure are engineered to augment NH4+ storage capabilities of VO2. In detail, VO2@C is synthesized via the glucose reduction of vanadium pentoxide under hydrothermal conditions. Experimental results manifest that the introduction of the carbon layer on VO2 nanobelts can enhance mass transfer, ion transport and electrochemical kinetics, thereby culminating in the improved NH4+ storage efficiency. VO2@C core–shell composite exhibits a remarkable specific capacity of ∼300 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g, which is superior to that of VO2 (∼238 mAh/g) and various other electrode materials used for NH4+ storage. The NH4+ storage mechanism can be elucidated by the reversible NH4+ (de)intercalation within the tunnel of VO2, facilitated by the dynamic formation and dissociation of hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, when integrated into a full battery with polyaniline (PANI) cathode, the VO2@C//PANI full battery demonstrates robust electrochemical performances, including a specific capacity of ∼185 mAh·g−1 at 0.2 A·g−1, remarkable durability of 93 % retention after 1500 cycles, as well as high energy density of 58 Wh·kg−1 at 5354 W·kg−1. This work provides a pioneering approach to design and explore composite materials for efficient NH4+ storage, offering significant implications for future battery technology enhancements.

Spatial Effect on the Performance of Carboxylate Anode Materials in Na-Ion Batteries.

Developing low-voltage carboxylate anode materials is critical for achieving low-cost, high-performance, and sustainable Na-ion batteries (NIBs). However, the structure design rationale and structure-performance correlation for organic carboxylates in NIBs remains elusive. Herein, the spatial effect on the performance of carboxylate anode materials is studied by introducing heteroatoms in the conjugation structure and manipulating the positions of carboxylate groups in the aromatic rings. Planar and twisted organic carboxylates are designed and synthesized to gain insight into the impact of geometric structures to the electrochemical performance of carboxylate anodes in NIBs. Among the carboxylates, disodium 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylate (2255-Na) with a planar structure outperforms the others in terms of highest specific capacity (210 mAh g-1), longest cycle life (2000 cycles), and best rate capability (up to 5 A g-1). The cyclic stability and redox mechanism of 2255-Na in NIBs are exploited by various characterization techniques. Moreover, high-temperature (up to 100°C) and all-organic batteries based on a 2255-Na anode, a polyaniline (PANI) cathode, and an ether-based electrolyte are achieved and exhibited exceptional electrochemical performance. Therefore, this work demonstrates that designing organic carboxylates with extended planar conjugation structures is an effective strategy to achieve high-performance and sustainable NIBs.

Long-life P-type co-doped polyaniline cathodes for ultrahigh-energy-density aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Conductive polyaniline (PANI) is considered as a promising cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to its reversible redox properties. In this study, we prepared a binder-free PANI (βPG-PANI-6) cathode co-doped with β-naphthalene sulfonic acid (β-NSA), HClO4, and graphitic acid (GA) via a layer-by-layer self-assembled electro-polymerization method. As a soft template, β-NSA micelles can be doped with HClO4 into PANI nanoparticles to prevent the tight accumulation of PANI chains. Moreover, β-NSA and GA adsorbed on the surface of PANI nanoparticles through layer-by-layer self-assembly contain abundant weak acid groups, which can act as internal proton reservoirs to offer protons to guarantee high redox activity. During the electro-polymerization process, the flexible GA matrix which forms NO bond closely with PANI can alleviate the volume expansion effect of PANI. As a result, the βPG-PANI-6 cathode can obtain superior discharge specific capacity (560.5 mAh/g, 0.2 A/g), excellent rate performance (251.3 mAh/g, 10 A/g). It is commendable that the AZIBs assembled by βPG-PANI-6 cathode deliver ultra-high energy density and power density (535.31 Wh/kg @ 187.16 W/kg, 184.45 Wh/kg @ 7378.01 W/kg). This study expands the doping chemistry of PANI and advances the development of conducting polymer for AZIBs to a new level.

Interfacial Regulation via Anionic Surfactant Electrolyte Additive Promotes Stable (002)‐Textured Zinc Anodes at High Depth of Discharge

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries have been identified as a viable option for grid energy storage. However, their practical application is limited by the poor performances at a high use rate of zinc. A suitable strategy to improve the cycling stability at a high depth of discharge (DOD) is by realizing the (002)‐textured Zn plating to suppress dendrite growth and side reactions. Herein, a novel electrolyte additive sodium 3‐mercapto‐1‐propanesulfonate (MPS) is introduced to regulate the zinc/electrolyte interfacial structure. The MPS anions can form an adsorption layer on the anode surface, which induces Zn deposition in the (002) direction as indicated by first‐principles calculations. Additionally, the adsorption layer can facilitate the reduction of the energy barrier associated with zinc deposition. This modified interface effectively inhibits dendrite and side reactions, resulting in a remarkable cycling lifespan for Zn||Zn symmetric cells, exceeding 800 h at a high DOD of 50%, and over 4500 h at 1.0 mA cm−2/1.0 mAh cm−2. Moreover, the capacity stability of the full cells with V2O5·H2O or polyaniline cathodes is substantially improved. A pouch‐type Zn||V2O5·H2O full cell reveals a high capacity of 42 mAh and good capacity retention of 86.6% after 250 cycles, highlighting significant potential for practical applications.

Toward Full Utilization and Stable Cycling of Polyaniline Cathode for Nonaqueous Rechargeable Batteries

AbstractPolyaniline is the most famous conducting polymer and also a promising organic cathode material for rechargeable batteries, however, it has demonstrated poor utilization of its theoretical capacity (294 mAh g−1) and inferior cycling stability in previous studies. Herein, for the first time, its fully reduced form, i.e., leucoemeraldine base (LB), is studied as an alternative to the commonly used emeraldine salt and base (ES and EB). For the three different forms, the precise structures are carefully determined, and the electrochemical performance are systematically investigated. Within 2.0−4.3 V, LB realizes almost full capacity utilization (92%) that is much superior to those of ES and EB. Within 2.0−4.2 V, it shows both high reversible capacity (277 mAh g−1) and cycling stability (84% capacity retention after 1000 cycles). The combination of electrochemical analysis, density functional theory calculation, and ex situ characterization reveals that the capacity utilization is positively associated with the pristine proportion of ─NH─ groups, and the capacity fading is caused by the irreversible electrochemical deprotonation at high charge potential. This work promotes both the electrochemical performance and mechanistic understanding of polyaniline to a new stage, towards practical application in energy storage devices as a low‐cost, high‐performance, sustainable, and green cathode material.

Proton Self-Doped Polyaniline with High Electrochemical Activity for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are promising energy storage devices due to their low cost, good ionic conductivity, and high safety. Conductive polyaniline is a promising cathode because of its redox activity, but because the neutral electrolyte protonates only weakly, it displays limited electrochemical activity. A polyaniline cathode is developed with proton self-doping from manganese metal-organic frameworks (Mn-MOFs) that alleviates the deprotonation and electrochemical activity concerns arising during the charge/discharge process. The MOFs carboxyl group provides protons to prevent deprotonation and allows the polyaniline to reach a high zinc storage redox activity. The proton self-doped polyaniline cathode has a superior specific capacity (273mAhg-1 at 0.5Ag-1 ), a high rate property (154mAhg-1 at 20Ag-1 ), and excellent cyclability retention (87% over 4000cycles at 15Ag-1 ). This research provides fresh insight into the development of innovative polymers as cathode materials for high-performance AZIBs.