Enabling Long-cycling Aqueous Zn-Mn3O4 Batteries via Segregated and Interlaced Carbon Frameworks

Abstract

Mn₃O₄ is a promising candidate for aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity (468.5 mAh g⁻¹) and environmental friendliness, while its practical application is hindered by slow kinetics and rapid capacity degradation. Herein, a porous Mn₃O₄ with segregated and interlaced carbon framework (HCF-Mn₃O₄) is introduced. The in situ hydro-assembled interlaced carbon nanotube (CNT) forms a porous structure enhancing electron conduction and accelerating Zn²⁺ transport; while the segregated CNT network serves as an encapsulation layer to improve mechanical stability. Together, these features facilitate the simultaneous insertion and transformation of H⁺/Zn²⁺ and enhance Zn²⁺ diffusion kinetics. As a result, HCF-Mn₃O₄ achieves a high specific capacity of 474 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.05 A g⁻¹, excellent rate performance of 178 mAh g⁻¹ at 1.50 A g⁻¹, and stable cycling over 3000 cycles with minimal capacity decay (≈0.02% per cycle). This design offers new opportunities for developing high-rate, long-lasting ZIBs.