Interfacial engineering of manganese-based oxides for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: Advances, mechanisms, challenges and perspectives

Manganese (Mn)-based materials are considered as one of the most promising cathodes in zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) for large-scale energy storage applications because of their multivalence, cost-effectiveness, natural availability, low toxicity, satisfactory capacity, and high operating voltage. In this review, the research status and related interface engineering strategies of Mn-based oxide cathode electrode materials for ZIB in recent years are summarized. Specifically, the review will focus on three types of interface engineering strategies, including interface reconstruction via cathode, interface reconstruction electrolyte, and protection via artificial cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer, within the context of their evolution of interface layer and corresponding electrochemical performance. A series of experimental variables, such as crystal structure, electrochemical reaction mechanism, and the necessary connection for the formation and evolution of interface layer, will be carefully analyzed by combining various advanced characterization techniques and theoretical calculations. Finally, suggestions and strategies are provided for reasonably designing the cathode-electrolyte interface to realize the excellent performance of Mn-based oxide zinc-based batteries. (c) 2024 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. and Science Press. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.