MnO2@Co3O4 heterostructure composite as high-performance cathode material for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion battery

In aqueous zinc ion battery, manganese dioxide (MnO2) has received extensive study as a high-performance cathode material. But the low ionic conductivity and weak diffusion ability prevent its widespread use. In this study, MnO2@Co3O4 composite electrode material is prepared by PVP-assisted hydrothermal method and calcination method. Co3O4 nanocrystals (about 5 nm) are fixed on MnO2 nanorods to form a unique heterostructure, showing an excellent electrochemical performance. The MnO2@Co3O4 composite has a high specific capacity of 350.3 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and retains 86.2% of its initial capacity after 1200 charge/discharge cycles at 2000 mA g−1. This study offers fresh perspectives on how to build cathode materials with good cycle stability.