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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:55
Elemental-sensitive Detection of the Chemistry in Batteries through Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering
Published on: April 17, 2018
Atomic High-Spin Cobalt Unlocks Reversible Multi-Electron Transfer Chemistry for Superb Aqueous Zn-Mn Batteries
Yajun Zhao1,2,3, Qi Li1, Yanan Lv1
1State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
Nano-Micro Letters
|August 9, 2026
Summary
Atomic-dispersed cobalt in manganese dioxide (MnO2) enables reversible multi-electron transfer for high-performance zinc-manganese batteries. This innovation overcomes phase transition issues, enhancing battery capacity and lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Reversible energy storage in zinc-manganese dioxide (Zn-MnO2) batteries is hindered by irreversible phase transitions of MnO2.
- Deposited "dead" MnO2 requires acid or redox mediators for re-dissolution, complicating battery design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel strategy for reversible MnO2 utilization in Zn-MnO2 batteries.
- To enhance the electrochemical performance and durability of Zn-MnO2 batteries by addressing MnO2 phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Introduced atomic-dispersed cobalt (Co) into layered MnO2 via in situ topological phase transformation, creating Co-MnO2.
- Investigated the effect of high-spin Co on MnO2 structure, electronic properties, and oxygen activity.
Main Results:
- Co-MnO2 demonstrated modulated octahedral symmetry, reduced Co-O covalency, and enhanced lattice oxygen activity.
- High-spin Co mitigated Jahn-Teller distortion, promoting reversible MnO2/Mn3+ and electrolytic MnO2/Mn2+ reactions.
- The Co-MnO2 cathode achieved a capacity of 658 mAh g-1 and over 15,000 cycles.
Conclusions:
- Atomic-dispersed Co, particularly its high-spin state, is crucial for enabling reversible multi-electron transfer in MnO2 cathodes.
- This strategy offers a pathway for developing high-energy-density and durable Zn-MnO2 batteries without external mediators.
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