Electrospun manganese sesquioxide as cathode for aqueous zinc ion battery with high-rate performance and long cycle life

Different MnO_x fibers have been fabricated through electrospinning method, in which their composition and structure can be modulated through adjusting the precursor solution and processing parameters conveniently. Moreover, they are reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to increase electrical conductivity. Mn₂O₃ cathode formed at 500 °C exhibits excellent rate performance (∼153 mAh g⁻¹ at a high current density of 5 A g⁻¹), outperforming many reported manganese Mn₂O₃ cathode materials. Moreover, it displays satisfactory cyclic performance (∼104 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles). These results suggest 3D Mn₂O₃ fibers prepared through electrospinning has great potential as cathode for next generation ZIBs.