Reconstructed nanoclay-based membranes with nanofluidic channels for ultra-stable rechargeable Zn/MnO2 batteries

Rechargeable aqueous Zn/MnO2 batteries are promising to be one of the best next-generation energy storage devices owing to the abundant reserves, mild chemical properties, and high energy density. Nevertheless, the dendrite, corrosion, and by-products issues are inherent on Zn metal anode and severely affect the applications of Zn/MnO2 batteries. Herein, we propose a lamellated reconstructed montmorillonite-based membranes (RMM) with nanofluidic channels for uniforming the distribution of Zn2+, restraining the growth of Zn dendrite, and suppressing the generation of irreversible products. The RMM with excellent stability in electrolyte is sandwiched between the separator and Zn metal anode to assemble cells. The Zn/MnO2 cells with RMM-Zn anode can achieve stable Zn electroplating/electrostripping over 1000 h at a current density of 4.4 mA cm−2 with almost no Zn dendrite. Meanwhile, the Zn/MnO2 cells based on RMM-Zn anode exhibit high durability and capacity retention of 92.6% after 900 cycles at 5 C. The novel design of reconstructed nanoclay-based membranes with nanofluidic channels opens a new opportunity for practical applications of high-performance rechargeable aqueous batteries.