Discharge of γ-MnO2 was tracked within sealed batteries as a function of position.
Spinel formation immediately followed phase transition to α-MnOOH.
Well-formed α-MnOOH occurred after insertion of 0.79 H+ per Mn atom.
Insertion of 0.79 H+ correlated to 104% of the 2 × 1 ramsdellite tunnel capacity.