Interface-Sensitive Charge Storage and Activation Behavior of Mn(1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic Acid (BTC))-Derived Mn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/Carbon Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

In this study, we couple precise interface engineering via alternating current electrophoretic deposition (AC–EPD) with performance-enhancing structural transformation via annealing, enabling the development of high-performance, stable, and tunable Mn-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (Z...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jieun Lee, Byoungnam Park
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Molecules
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/12/2566
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In this study, we couple precise interface engineering via alternating current electrophoretic deposition (AC–EPD) with performance-enhancing structural transformation via annealing, enabling the development of high-performance, stable, and tunable Mn-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Using AC–EPD to fabricate Mn(BTC) (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) cathodes followed by thermal annealing to synthesize MOF-derived Mn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> offers a synergistic approach that addresses several key challenges in aqueous ZIB systems. The Mn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> cathode prepared via AC–EPD from Mn(BTC) exhibited a remarkable specific capacity of up to 430 mAh/g at a current density of 200 mA/g. Interestingly, the capacity continued to increase progressively with cycling, suggesting dynamic structural or interfacial changes that improved Zn<sup>2+</sup> transport and utilization over time. Such capacity enhancement behavior during prolonged cycling at elevated rates has not been observed in previously reported Mn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-based ZIB systems. Kinetic analysis further revealed that the charge storage process is predominantly governed by diffusion-controlled mechanisms. This behavior can be attributed to the intrinsic characteristics of the Mn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> phase formed from the MOF precursor, where the bulk redox reactions involving Zn<sup>2+</sup> insertion require ion migration into the electrode interior. Even though the electrode was processed as an ultrathin film with enhanced electrolyte contact, the charge storage remains limited by solid-state ion diffusion rather than fast surface-driven reactions, reinforcing the diffusion-dominant nature of the system.
ISSN:1420-3049