Deciphering La3⁺ partition doping: structural design and synergistic enhancement of zinc storage performance in ternary Mn-based MnCO3–Mn2O3–MnO2 composite cathodes
摘要
La3⁺-doped MnCO3–Mn2O3–MnO2 ternary composite materials were prepared via a facile hydrothermal method, and their structure–performance relationship as high-performance cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries was systematically elucidated. The synthesized material exhibits unique hierarchical microstructures, including sphere-like, cauliflower-like, flower-core-like, coral-cluster-like, and regular cubic morphologies, which form a three-dimensional conductive network with high specific surface area, developed ion channels, and intimate heterogeneous interfaces. In-depth structural characterization reveals that La3⁺ doping implements a differentiated partition regulation mechanism on the distinct manganese-based phases. In the MnCO3/Mn2O3 phases, it primarily optimizes the lattice through defect compensation to facilitate ion transport, whereas in the MnO2 phase, it triggers distortion and polaron formation via electron compensation, significantly enhancing electronic conductivity. This selective regulation enables complementary advantages among the multiple phases and generates synergistic enhancement effects at the phase boundaries. The optimized 3% La-doped cathode delivers a high discharge specific capacity of 459.4 mAh·g⁻1 at 50 mA·g⁻1, along with excellent rate capability and cycling stability. This work not only provides a new mechanistic perspective for understanding the complex doping behavior of rare-earth ions in multiphase systems but also opens a feasible pathway for developing high-performance electrode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries through precise structural regulation.