Graphite enhances the energy storage of fiber zinc–manganese batteries

The research on fiber zinc–manganese batteries has received extensive attention. However, MnO₂ morphology and structure are often not conducive to the transmission of electrons, and the MnO₂ active slurry is difficult to adhere to the surface of the Ni fiber. In this study, a conductive network for MnO₂ was constructed via a redox reaction-hydrothermal method. Subsequently, a 0.1-MDG active slurry was coated onto Ni fibers through a slurry mixing-lifting process, resulting in an electrode that improved the performance of fiber zinc–manganese batteries. Rate capability tests were further performed at current densities ranging from 30 to 70 mA g⁻¹. The 0.1-MDG battery exhibited high discharge capacities of 92.7, 103.9, 109.2, 108.6, and 105.5 mAh g⁻¹ at these rates, respectively. This work provides a simple method to enhance the conductivity of the MnO₂ electrode and the adhesion of active slurry on the surface of the metal current collector.