A scalable sulfur-doped MnO2 cathode for high-energy Zn-ion pouch batteries

A sulfur-doped β-MnO 2 /S, with a ratio of 9: 1, prepared by simple calcination, is applied as a cathode in aqueous Zn-ion pouch cells. Sulfur doping enhances Zn 2+ transport and stabilizes interfacial reactions, enabling durable performance: 111.25 mAh·g −1 after 500 cycles at 1C (1.9 V cutoff) and 158 mAh·g −1 after 250 cycles at 1.3C. GITT and in-situ EIS indicate faster ion transport and lower charge-transfer barriers, while micro-CT reveals uniform Zn deposition and suppressed dendrite formation. This scalable route improves conductivity, kinetics, and interfacial stability, positioning β-MnO 2 /S (9: 1) as a practical cathode for safe, high-performance Zn-ion pouch batteries.