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Updated: May 18, 2026
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Published on: April 17, 2018
Deciphering electrochemomechanical interplay in rechargeable aqueous Zn||MnO2 batteries
Canbin Deng1,2, Yizhan Xie1, Jiayue Tang1
1Guangzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Materials Informatics, Sustainable Energy and Environment Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, PR China.
Nature Communications
|May 16, 2026
Summary
This study reveals how mechanical stress impacts aqueous zinc-manganese dioxide (Zn||MnO2) battery performance. Understanding these electrochemomechanical interactions is key for improving battery design and electrolyte selection.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Electrochemical reactions often induce mechanical changes affecting system performance.
- Aqueous Zn||MnO2 batteries face challenges due to MnO2 instability and side reactions, causing operational strain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrochemistry-mechanics-performance relationship in Zn||MnO2 batteries.
- To decode the electrochemomechanical interplay in Zn||β-MnO2 pouch cells with varying electrolytes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical fiber sensors for operando stress monitoring in Zn||β-MnO2 pouch cells.
- Analyzed stress evolution in relation to electrochemical mechanisms and battery ageing.
Main Results:
- Operando stress monitoring confirmed proton intercalation and Mn dissolution/deposition mechanisms.
- Basic zinc salts significantly influence stress evolution; non-monotonic stress during discharge suggests Zn-compensated reactions.
- Negative correlation between early stress and capacity retention in cycling; increased stress variation during open-circuit ageing correlates with self-discharge.
Conclusions:
- Established a comprehensive understanding of the electrochemistry-mechanics-performance correlation in aqueous Zn||MnO2 batteries.
- Demonstrated the utility of stress monitoring for electrolyte screening and battery design optimization.
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