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

Rechargeable aqueous Zn/MnO 2 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/MnO 2 batteries. Herein, we propose a lamellated reconstructed montmorillonite-based membranes (RMM) with nanofluidic channels for uniforming the distribution of Zn 2+ , 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/MnO 2 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/MnO 2 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 .