IMPROVING ZINC-MANGANESE DIOXIDE BATTERY PERFORMANCE THROUGH INTERLAYERS

A primary or rechargeable battery comprising a battery housing; a cathode comprising a cathode electroactive material a conductive carbon, and a binder; an anode comprising an anode electroactive material; an electrolyte; and a conductive interlayer; and wherein the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the conductive interlayer are disposed within the battery housing. The cathode electroactive material comprises manganese dioxide, any polymorphs thereof, or combinations thereof. The cathode is configured to access 20-100% of electron capacity of the cathode electroactive material. The conductive interlayer contacts the cathode. The conductive interlayer comprises (i) a binder and (ii) a conductive carbon, a metal hydroxide, a metal oxide, or combinations thereof.