Simple Fabrication of Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>/MnO<sub>2</sub> Composites as Cathode Material for High Capacity and Long Cycle Lifespan Zn‐ion Batteries
Shuang Xi, Ximing Cheng, Xingwei Gao, Zhijian Sun, Huilong Liu
Abstract
Rechargeable aqueous Zn‐MnO 2 batteries are potential candidates for electrochemical energy storage systems due to their easy fabrication, nontoxicity, and low‐cost features. However, the practical application of the MnO 2 ‐based cathode is impeded by its low electrical conductivity and poor stability during cycling. Herein, the Ti 3 C 2 /MnO 2 composite cathode is elaborately designed and fabricated via a simple mechanical grinding method. Benefiting from the high conductivity of Ti 3 C 2 MXene along with the abundant active sites of nano‐MnO 2 , the obtained Ti 3 C 2 /MnO 2 electrode shows fast ion transfer and enhanced structural stability. Therefore, Ti 3 C 2 /MnO 2 composite as the cathode of zinc ion battery exhibits superior charge storage performance (354 mAh g −1 at 0.2 A g −1 , which is 30% higher than that of pure MnO 2 cathode), high cycling stability (85% capacitance retention along with about 100% columbic efficiency after 850 cycles at l A g −1 ), excellent energy density (467.33 Wh kg −l at 260 W kg −1 ), and impressive long‐term lifespan (65.1 mAh g −1 over 900 h at 0.1 A g −1 ). Furthermore, the mechanism related is elucidated via comprehensive characterizations. Herein, it provides a convenient and efficient method to fabricate high‐performance Mn‐based cathode for Zinc‐ion batteries.