Superfine MnO Nanowires with Rich Defects Toward Boosted Zinc Ion Storage Performance.

The core challenge of MnO as the cathode material of zinc-ion batteries remains to be their poor electrochemical kinetics and stability. Herein, MnO superfine nanowires (∼10 nm) with rich crystal defects (oxygen vacancies and cavities) are demonstrated to possess high efficient zinc-ion storage capability. Experimental and theoretical studies demonstrate that the defects facilitate the adsorption and diffusion of hydrogen/zinc for fast ion transportation and the build of a local electric field for improved electron migration.