Enhancing electrochemical performance in aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries through bimetallic oxides of manganese and cobalt as electrode

The capacity of Co3O4//Zn batteries is decreased by the volume change of Co3O4 cathode in practical application, so its advantages are not fully utilized. To improve the capacity of Co3O4//Zn battery, a cathode of Mn-doped Co3O4 based on carbon cloth in aqueous zinc-ion battery was successfully prepared by one-step hydrothermal. Compared to existing preparation processes, greatly reducing preparation time and cost, and the Mn-doped Co3O4 cathode had a unique mesoporous microsphere structure. The battery in aqueous electrolyte had a high charge/discharge voltage of 2.2 V, a high specific capacity of 279.3 mAh/g at 1 A/g, outstanding rate capability, a high energy density of 863.15 Wh/kg, a high power of 1327.9W/Kg and superior cycle stability of 97% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 5 A/g. The improvement in electrode material provided a new idea for preparing new mesoporous Co3O4 nanocomposites. •The cathode of Mn-doped Co3O4 was successfully prepared by one-step hydrothermal. The preparation time and cost were reduced.•The Mn-doped Co3O4 cathode had a unique mesoporous microsphere structure.•The battery had a high charge/discharge voltage of 2.2 V and cycle stability of 97% capacity retention over 1000 cycles.