Boosting Zn2+ intercalation via high-entropy doping and dynamic electron reservoirs for high-performance Zn-Mn batteries

Abstract

Among manganese oxides, MnO with the highest theoretical capacity holds promise for ultra-high energy density Zn-ion batteries but is restricted ion/electron migration. Here, we synthesized a carbon-coated, high-entropy-doped MnO and intermetallic compounds (IMC) heterostructure (HE-MnO/IMC) by integrating high-entropy doping and heterojunction strategies to address intrinsic challenges. Carbon coating with abundant C = O bonds externally provides a rapid transport pathway for Zn²⁺. High-entropy doped MnO internally optimizes Zn²⁺ migration via lattice distortion, while IMC optimizes electron transfer through interfacial effects and maintains charge balance as a dynamic electron reservoir. This integrated design strategy of complex structures and synergistic effects facilitates efficient ion and electron transport, achieving excellent rate performance (136.4 mAh g^-1 at 5.0 A g^-1) and stability (90.9% retention after 10,000 cycles). This work provides a new paradigm for the precise regulation of the reactive kinetic behaviour of functional materials.