Hollow K_0.27MnO₂ Nanospheres as Cathode for High-Performance Aqueous Sodium Ion Batteries

Hollow K0.27MnO2 nanospheres as cathode material were designed for aqueous sodium ion batteries (SIBs) using polystyrene (PS) as a template. The samples were systematically studied by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. As cathode materials for aqueous SIBs, the hollow structure can effectively improve the sodium storage property. A coin cell with hollow K0.27MnO2 as cathode and NaTi2(PO4)3 as anode exhibits a specific capacity of 84.9 mA h g(-1) at 150 mA g(-1), and the capacity of 56.6 mA h g(-1) is still maintained at an extremely high current density of 600 mA g(-1). For full cell measurement at the current density of 200 mA g(-1), 83% capacity retention also can be attained after 100 cycles. The as-designed hollow K0.27MnO2 nanospheres demonstrate long cyclability and high rate capability, which grant the potential for application in advanced aqueous SIBs.