Interface‐Controlled Redox Chemistry in Aqueous Mn <sup>2</sup> ⁺/MnO₂ Batteries
Xinzhe Xue, Zhen Liu, Swetha Chandrasekaran, Samuel Eisenberg, C. Althaus, Megan C. Freyman, Anica Pinongcos, Qiu Ren, Logan Valdovinos, C Hsieh, Bintao Hu, Bruce Dunn, Christine A. Orme, Xiao Wang, Marcus A. Worsley, Yat Li
Abstract
Abstract Manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) deposition/dissolution (Mn 2+ /MnO 2 ) chemistry, involving a two‐electron‐transfer process, holds promise for safe and eco‐friendly large‐scale energy storage. However, challenges like electrode/electrolyte interface environment fluctuations (H + and H 2 O activity), irreversible Mn degradation, and limited understanding of degradation mechanisms hinder the reversibility of the Mn 2+ /MnO 2 conversion. This study demonstrates a vanadyl/pervanadyl (VO 2+ /VO 2 + ) redox‐mediated interface designed for high‐energy Mn 2+ /MnO 2 batteries. Unlike flow systems, this work uncovers, for the first time, the mechanism of a static redox‐mediated interface in regulating interfacial H + and H 2 O activities. Significantly, the VO 2+ /VO 2 + chemical redox mediation targets Mn 3+ intermediates, suppressing their hydrolysis and enabling 100% Mn 2+ /MnO 2 conversion. The redox‐mediated interface enhances the Mn redox electron transfer process, achieving a stable ≈95% coulombic efficiency and ultrahigh capacity of 100 mAh cm − 2 with an areal energy density of 111 mWh cm − 2 , outperforming flow systems. The electrode also exhibits an average specific capacity of 593 mAh g −1 , approaching the theoretical limit of 616 mAh g −1 , and a specific energy density of 721 Wh kg −1 at high MnO 2 loadings (50–150 mg cm −2 ). The findings highlight the critical role of interfacial redox mediation in regulating H + and H 2 O activities and underscore the significance of interface dynamics.