Study of High-Performance MnO₂ Cathode Materials in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries for Paraglider Power Applications

Currently, paragliders primarily rely on gasoline engines as their power source for flight. However, during high-altitude flights, the risks of fuel leakage and fire pose significant threats to flight safety. Using secondary batteries as an alternative power system is expected to significantly enhance the safety performance of paragliders. This study focuses on the preparation and performance optimization of MnO₂, the key electrode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. MnO₂ materials were synthesized via a hydrothermal method, and the effects of manganese source type, hydrothermal temperature, and reaction time on the electrochemical performance of the materials were systematically investigated to determine the optimal synthesis process. The influence of high-temperature calcination on the material's structure and properties was also compared. Electrochemical tests, such as galvanostatic charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, revealed that the synthesized MnO₂ material maintained a specific capacity as high as 256 mAh/g at a current density of 50 mA·g-1 even after high-rate discharge, with symmetric redox peaks indicating excellent electrochemical reversibility. Further physical characterization showed that XRD analysis indicated the uncalcined sample had low crystallinity but no significant impurities. SEM images revealed that the material consists of nanometer-sized spherical particles, which effectively increases the specific surface area and contributes to enhanced electrochemical performance. EDS and elemental analysis confirmed uniform element distribution, while FT-IR testing further verified the stable structural characteristics of the synthesized MnO₂ material. This study provides an important theoretical basis and technical reference for high-performance MnO₂ cathode materials for the electrification transformation of paraglider power systems.