Synthesis of three-dimensional β-MnO2/PPy composite for high-performance cathode in zinc-ion batteries

Abstract Mn-based materials as a cathode have drawn much attention in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) for its advantages of low cost and environmental friendliness. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics and low structural stability still limit the electrochemical application of Mn-based materials. Herein, a β-MnO2/ polypyrrole (PPy) composite was synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. It delivered a remarkable specific discharge capacity of 361.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 and great rate performance compared to pure MnO2 powder. And morphological and electrochemical characterizations revealed that the enhanced electrochemical performance of β-MnO2/PPy composite was mainly attributed to the high conductivity of PPy nanowires and the 3D mesoporous microsphere structure, which was assembled by β-MnO2 nanorods and PPy nanowires. This article provided a new sight of synthesizing Mn-based materials/conducting polymer composites for high-performance cathode in zinc-ion batteries.