Storing solar energy in battery systems is crucial to achieving a green and sustainable society.However,the efficient development of photo-enhanced zinc-air batteries(ZABs)is limited by the rapid recombination of phot...Storing solar energy in battery systems is crucial to achieving a green and sustainable society.However,the efficient development of photo-enhanced zinc-air batteries(ZABs)is limited by the rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers on the photocathode.In this work,the visible-light-driven CoS_(2)/CuS@CNT-C_(3)N_(4)photocatalyst with unique petal-like layer structure was designed and developed,which can be used as air electrode for visible-light-driven ZABs.The superior performance of ZABs assembled by CoS_(2)/CuS@CNT-C_(3)N_(4)was mainly attributed to the successful construction of Schottky heterojunction between g-C_(3)N_(4)and carbon nanotubes(CNTs),which accelerates the transfer of electrons from g-C_(3)N_(4)to CoS_(2)/CuS cocatalysts,improves the carrier separation ability,and extends the carrier lifetime.Thereinto,the visible-driven ZABs assembled by CoS_(2)/CuS@CNT-C_(3)N_(4)photocatalyst has a power density of 588.90 mW cm-2 and a charge-discharge cycle of 643 h under visible light irradiation,which is the highest performance ever reported for photo-enhanced ZABs.More importantly,the charge-discharge voltage drop of ZABs was only 0.54 V under visible light irradiation,which is significantly lower than the voltage drop(0.94 V)in the dark.This study provides a new idea for designing efficient and stable visible-light-driven ZABs cathode catalysts.展开更多
The effect of preparation routes on the physical characteristics and activity of the Ag-MnOx/C composites toward the oxygen reduction reaction （ORR） in alkaline media were studied by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, X-ray...The effect of preparation routes on the physical characteristics and activity of the Ag-MnOx/C composites toward the oxygen reduction reaction （ORR） in alkaline media were studied by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, energy-dispersion spectroscopy （EDS） as well as scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and electrochemical techniques. The results show that more Ag and Mn species present on the surface of the Ag-MnOx/C composite prepared by two-step route （Ag-MnOx/C-2） compared to the one prepared by one-step route （Ag-MnOx/C-1）, which contributes to its superior activity toward the ORR. The higher electron transfer number involved in the ORR can be observed on the Ag-MnOx/C-2 composite and its specific mass kinetic current at -0.6 V （vs Hg/HgO） is 46 mA/μg, which is 23 times that on the Ag/C. The peak power density of zinc-air battery with the Ag-MnOx/C-2 air electrode reaches up to 117 mW/cm^2.展开更多
Zn-air batteries have attracted extensive attention for their unique features including high energy density,safety,low cost and environmental friendliness.However,due to their poor chargeability and low efficiency,the...Zn-air batteries have attracted extensive attention for their unique features including high energy density,safety,low cost and environmental friendliness.However,due to their poor chargeability and low efficiency,the practical application remains a challenge.The main obstacles are the intrinsic slow reaction kinetics on air cathodes,including oxygen reduction reaction during the discharging process and oxygen evolution reaction during the recharging process.Searching for efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is key to solve these problems.In this review,the configuration and fundamental oxygen electrochemical reactions on air cathodes are briefly introduced for Zn-air batteries first.Then,the latest bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts are summarized in detail.Finally,the perspectives are provided for the future investigations on bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts.展开更多
The application of electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) is vital in a variety of energy conversion technologies. Exploring low-cost ORR catalysts with high activity and long-term stability is highly...The application of electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) is vital in a variety of energy conversion technologies. Exploring low-cost ORR catalysts with high activity and long-term stability is highly desirable, although it still remains challenging. Herein, we report a facile and reliable route to convert ZIF-8 modified by Fe-phenanthroline into Fe-incorporated and N-doped carbon dodecahedron nanoarchitecture(Fe-NCDNA), in which carbon nanosheets are formed in situ as the building blocks with uniform Fe-N-C species decoration. Systematic electrochemical studies demonstrate that the as-synthesized Fe-NCDNA electrocatalyst possesses highly attractive catalytic features toward the ORR in terms of activity and durability in both alkaline and neutral media. The Zn-air battery with the optimal Fe-NCDNA catalyst as the cathode performs impressively, delivering a power density of 184 m W cm^–2 and a specific capacity of 801 m Ah g^–1;thus, it exhibits great competitive advantages over those of the Zn-air devices employing a Pt-based cathode electrocatalyst.展开更多
A robust oxygen‐related electrocatalyst,composed of spinel iron‐cobalt oxide and nitrogen‐dopedordered mesoporous carbon(NOMC),was developed for rechargeable metal‐air batteries.Electrochemicaltests revealed that ...A robust oxygen‐related electrocatalyst,composed of spinel iron‐cobalt oxide and nitrogen‐dopedordered mesoporous carbon(NOMC),was developed for rechargeable metal‐air batteries.Electrochemicaltests revealed that the optimal catalyst Fe_(0.5)Co/NOMC exhibits superior activity with ahalf‐wave potential of 0.89 V(vs.reversible hydrogen electrode)for the oxygen reduction reactionand an overpotential of 0.31 V at 10 mA cm^(−2)for the oxygen evolution reaction.For demonstration,the catalyst was used in the assembly of a rechargeable zinc‐air battery,which exhibited an exceptionallyhigh energy density of 820 Wh kg−1 at 100 mA cm^(−2),a high power density of 153 mW cm^(−2)at1.0 V,and superior cycling stability up to 432 cycles(144 h)under ambient air.展开更多
A series of transition metal nitrides(MxNy,M=Fe,Co,Ni)nanoparticle(NP)composites caged in N-doped hollow porous carbon sphere(NHPCS)were prepared by impregnation and heat treatment methods.These composites combine the...A series of transition metal nitrides(MxNy,M=Fe,Co,Ni)nanoparticle(NP)composites caged in N-doped hollow porous carbon sphere(NHPCS)were prepared by impregnation and heat treatment methods.These composites combine the high catalytic activity of nitrides and the high-efficiency mass transfer characteristics of NHPCS.The oxygen reduction reaction results indicate that Fe2N/NHPCS has the synergistic catalytic performance of higher onset potential(0.96 V),higher electron transfer number(~4)and higher limited current density(1.4 times as high as that of commercial Pt/C).In addition,this material is implemented as the air catalyst for zinc−air battery that exhibits considerable specific capacity(795.1 mA·h/g)comparable to that of Pt/C,higher durability and maximum power density(173.1 mW/cm2).展开更多
Integrating two different catalytic active sites into one composite is a useful 2-in-1 strategy for designing high-efficient bifunctional catalysts,which can easily tailor the activity of each reaction.Hence,we adopt ...Integrating two different catalytic active sites into one composite is a useful 2-in-1 strategy for designing high-efficient bifunctional catalysts,which can easily tailor the activity of each reaction.Hence,we adopt the 2-in-1 strategy to design the metal oxyhydroxide supported on N-doped porous carbons(PA-CoFe@NPC)as the oxygen bifunctional catalyst,where NPC provides the activity for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)while the metal oxyhydroxide is responsible for oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Results demonstrate that the PA-CoFe@NPC indeed exhibits both super ORR and OER activities.Impressively,using bifunctional PA-CoFe@NPC as the oxygen electrode,the resulting Zn-air battery exhibits outstanding charge and discharge performance with the peak power density of 156.3 mW cm^(-2),and also exhibits a long-term cycle stability with continuous cyclic charge and discharge of 170 hours that is obviously better than the 20%Pt/C+IrO_(2)based one.The 2-in-1 strategy in this work can be efficiently extended to design other bi-or multi-functional electrocatalysts.展开更多
The rational design of efficient and stable carbon-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions is crucial for improving energy density and long-term stability of rechargeable zinc-air ba...The rational design of efficient and stable carbon-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions is crucial for improving energy density and long-term stability of rechargeable zinc-air batteries(ZABs).Herein,a general and controllable synthesis method was developed to prepare three-dimensional(3D)porous carbon composites embedded with diverse metal phosphide nanocrystallites by interfacial coordination of transition metal ions with phytic acid-doped polyaniline networks and subsequent pyrolysis.Phytic acid as the dopant of polyaniline provides favorable anchoring sites for metal ions owing to the coordination interaction.Specifically,adjusting the concentration of adsorbed cobalt ions can achieve the phase regulation of transition metal phosphides.Thus,with abundant cobalt phosphide nanoparticles and nitrogen-and phosphorus-doping sites,the obtained carbon-based electrocatalysts exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activities toward oxygen reduction and evolution reactions.Consequently,the fabricated ZABs exhibited a high energy density,high power density of 368 mW cm^(-2),and good cycling/mechanical stability,which could power water splitting for integrated device fabrication with high gas yields.展开更多
Efficient and affordable electrocatalysts for reversible oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions(ORR and OER,respectively)are highly sought-after for use in rechargeable metal-air batteries.However,the constru...Efficient and affordable electrocatalysts for reversible oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions(ORR and OER,respectively)are highly sought-after for use in rechargeable metal-air batteries.However,the construction of high-performance electrocatalysts that possess both largely accessible active sites and superior ORR/OER intrinsic activities is challenging.Herein,we report the design and successful preparation of a 3D hierarchically porous graphene framework with interconnected interlayer macropores and in-plane mesopores,enriched with pyridinic-nitrogen-cobalt(pyri-N-Co)active sites,namely,CoFe/3D-NLG.The pyri-N-Co bonding significantly accelerates sluggish oxygen electrocatalysis kinetics,in turn substantially improving the intrinsic ORR/OER activities per active site,while copious interlayer macropores and in-plane mesopores enable ultra-efficient mass transfer throughout the graphene architecture,thus ensuring sufficient exposure of accessible pyri-N-Co active sites to the reagents.Such a robust catalyst structure endows CoFe/3D-NLG with a remarkably enhanced reversible oxygen electrocatalysis performance,with the ORR half-wave potential identical to that of the benchmark Pt/C catalyst,and OER activity far surpassing that of the noble-metal-based RuO2 catalyst.Moreover,when employed as an air electrode for a rechargeable Zn-air battery,CoFe/3D-NLG manifests an exceedingly high open-circuit voltage(1.56 V),high peak power density(213 mW cm^(–2)),ultra-low charge/discharge voltage(0.63 V),and excellent charge/discharge cycling stability,outperforming state-of-the-art noble-metal electrocatalysts.展开更多
Reversible oxygen reaction plays a crucial role in rechargeable battery systems,but it is limited by the slow reaction kinetics.Herein,the ionic modulation of cobalt pentlandite coupled with nitrogen‐doped bowl‐like...Reversible oxygen reaction plays a crucial role in rechargeable battery systems,but it is limited by the slow reaction kinetics.Herein,the ionic modulation of cobalt pentlandite coupled with nitrogen‐doped bowl‐like hollow carbon sphere is well designed on octahedral and tetrahedral sites.The robust FexCo9−xS8‐NHCS‐V with iron replacing at the octahedron possesses prolonged metal sulfur bond and exhibits excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performance towards oxygen reduction reaction(ORR,E_(1/2)=0.80 V vs.RHE)and excellent oxygen evolution reaction(OER,E_(j=10)=1.53 V vs.RHE)in 0.1 mol/L KOH.Accordingly,a rechargeable Zn‐air battery of Fe_(x)Co_(9−x)S_(8)‐NHCS‐V cathode endows high energy efficiency(102 mW cm^(−2)),and a microbial fuel cell achieves a high‐power density(791±42 mW m^(−2)),outperforming the benchmark Pt/C catalyst.展开更多
Electric bicycles powered by lead-acid batteries have developed very fast for several years in China. Because the inconvenience caused by the service performance and the inconsistency to the environmental protection p...Electric bicycles powered by lead-acid batteries have developed very fast for several years in China. Because the inconvenience caused by the service performance and the inconsistency to the environmental protection policy of the lead-acid battery, the zinc-air power battery was proposed to solve the problem in this paper. The advantage and the feasibility of developing zinc-air power batteries in China have been illustrated in the paper. And, it is represented that development of electric bicycles powered by the zinc-air power battery also can accelerate this kind of battery's development in other electric vehicles, which is favorable to economic development and environmental protection.展开更多
An atomically dispersed FeCo-NC material with the 3D flower-like morphology was used as a unique substrate for the controllable deposition of ultrasmall NiFe layered double hydroxide nanodots(termed as NiFe-NDs)to sim...An atomically dispersed FeCo-NC material with the 3D flower-like morphology was used as a unique substrate for the controllable deposition of ultrasmall NiFe layered double hydroxide nanodots(termed as NiFe-NDs)to simultaneously promote the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER).The size-limiting growth of NiFe-NDs(~4.0 nm in diameter)was realized via the confinement of the 3D flower-like mesoporous structure and the rich N/O functionality of FeCo-NC.Benefiting from the distinctive structure with the simultaneously maximum exposure of both OER and ORR active sites,the NiFe-ND/FeCo-NC composite showed an ORR halfwave potential of 0.85 V and an OER potential of 1.66 V in0.1 mol L-1KOH at 10.0 mA cm-2.In-situ Raman analysis suggested the activity of OER was derived from the Ni sites on NiFe-ND/FeCo-NC.Moreover,the NiFe-ND/FeCo-NC-assembled Zn-air battery(ZAB)exhibited a very small discharge-charge voltage gap of 0.87 V at 20 mA cm-2and robust cycling stability.Furthermore,the NiFe-ND/FeCo-NC composite was also applicable for fabricating all-solid-state ZAB to power wearable electronics with superior cycling stability under deformation.Our work could enlighten a new applicable branch of atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon materials as unique substrates for fabricating multifunctional electrocatalysts.展开更多
The demanding all-in-one electrocatalyst system for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR), oxygen evolution reaction(OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) in zinc-air batteries or water splitting requires elaborate mater...The demanding all-in-one electrocatalyst system for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR), oxygen evolution reaction(OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) in zinc-air batteries or water splitting requires elaborate material manufacturing, which is usually complicated and time-consuming.Efficient interface engineering between MXene and highly active electrocatalytic species(CoS_(2)) is, herein, achieved by an in situ hydrothermal growth and facile sulfurization process.The CoS_(2)@MXene electrocatalyst is composed by one-dimensional CoS_(2) nanowires and two-dimensional MXene nanosheets, which lead to a hierarchical structure(large specific surface area and abundant active sites), a spatial electron redistribution(high intrinsic activity), and high anchoring strength(superior performance stability). Therefore, the electrocatalyst achieves enhanced catalytic activity and longtime stability for ORR(a half-wave potential of 0.80 V), OER(an overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2), i.e., η10= 270 mV)and HER(η10= 175 mV). Furthermore, the asymmetry water splitting system based on the CoS_(2)@MXene composites delivers a low overall voltage of 1.63 V at 10 mA cm^(-2). The solidstate zinc-air batteries using CoS_(2)@MXene as the air cathode display a small charge-discharge voltage gap(0.53 V at1 mA cm^(-2)) and superior stability(60 circles and 20-h continuous test). The energy interconversion between the chemical energy and electricity can be achieved by a self-powered system via integrating the water splitting system and quasisolid-state zinc-air batteries. Supported by in situ Raman analyses, the formation of cobalt oxyhydroxide species provides the active sites for water oxidation. This study paves apromising avenue for the design and application of multifunctional nanocatalysts.展开更多
Exploring high-activity electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance for a variety of renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. Herein, we fabricated novel ORR electrocataly...Exploring high-activity electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance for a variety of renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. Herein, we fabricated novel ORR electrocatalysts derived from Ni-Co nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow tubular C-N composites (ht-CN) through an easy and scalable pyrolysis route utilizing nickel acetate and cobalt acetate as metal precursors, 2-cyanoguanidine as the nitrogen source, and sucrose as the carbon source. Among the prepared nanocomposite catalysts with different molar ratios ofNi/Co, the catalyst Ni2Co3@ht-CN exhibits an outstanding ORR electroactivity comparable to Pt/C catalyst both in alkaline and neutral media. Home-made zinc-air battery with the Ni2Co3@ht-CN as cathode electrocatalyst presents excellent performance and superior durability either in neutral or alkaline medium. The Ni2Co3@ht-CN battery delivers an open circuit voltage of 1.08 V and a maximum power density of 47 mW cm^-2 in 0.5 mol L^-1 KNO3 solution, while 1.51 V and 314 mW cm^-2 in 6 mol L-^1 KOH solution. In addition, whether in neutral or alkaline solution, the constant current discharge curves of the Ni2Co3@ht-CN battery at different current densities exhibit higher voltage plateau and stability than the Pt/C battery. Results demonstrate the potential application of the catalysts of the present investigation to Zn-air batteries both in alkaline and neutral media.展开更多
The construction of transition metal-based catalysts with high activity and stability has been widely regarded as a promising method to replace the precious metal Pt for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).Herein,we synthe...The construction of transition metal-based catalysts with high activity and stability has been widely regarded as a promising method to replace the precious metal Pt for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).Herein,we synthesized CoFe alloy nanoparticle-embedded N-doped graphitic carbon(CoFe/NC)nanostructures as ORR electrocatalysts.The ZIF-67(zeolitic imidazolate framework,ZIF)nanocubes were first synthesized,followed by an introduction of Fe2+ions to form CoFe-ZIF precursors via a simple ion-exchange route.Subsequently,the CoFe/NC composites were synthesized through a facile pyrolysis strategy.The ORR activity and the contents of cobalt and iron could be effectively adjusted by controlling the solution concentration of Fe2+ions used for the ion exchange and the pyrolysis temperature.The CoFe/NC-0.2-900 composite(synthesized with 0.2 mmol of FeSO4·7H2O at a pyrolysis temperature of 900℃)exhibited ORR activity that was superior to the other samples owing to a synergistic effect of the bimetal,especially considering the extremely high limiting current density of 6.4 mA cm^-2 compared with that of Pt/C(5.1 mA cm^-2).Rechargeable Zn-air batteries were assembled employing CoFe/NC-0.2-900 and NiFeP/NF(NiFeP supported on nickel foam(NF))as the catalysts for the discharging and charging processes,respectively,The above materials achieved reduced discharging and charging platforms,high power density,and prolonged cycling stability compared with conventional Pt/C+RuO2/C catalysts.展开更多
Although the application of various nonprecious compounds as the air cathodes of Zn-air batteries has been explored, the construction of highly efficient selfsupported Co-based electrodes remains challenging and highl...Although the application of various nonprecious compounds as the air cathodes of Zn-air batteries has been explored, the construction of highly efficient selfsupported Co-based electrodes remains challenging and highly desired given their outstanding electrocatalytic activity and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we fabricated a three-dimensional(3D) self-supported electrode based on N-doped,carbon-coated Co3O4 nanosheets grown on a carbon cloth(i.e., NC-Co3O4/CC) through the electrochemical deposition and carbonization. When used as a binder-free electrode for oxygen evolution reaction(OER), the NC–Co3O4/CC electrode demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic activity with an overpotential of 210 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 and a Tafel slope of79.6 mV dec^-1. In the Zn-air battery test, the electrode delivered a small charge/discharge voltage gap(0.87 V at 10 mA cm^-2) and exhibited high durability without degradation after 93 cycles at the large current density of 25 mA cm^-2.The durability of our electrode was superior to that of a commercial Pt/C+RuO2 catalyst. The excellent performance of NC–Co3O4/CC could be attributed to the presence of 3D structures that promoted electron/ion transfer. By the absence of a binder, the carbon coating improved electron conductivity and promoted electrochemical stability. Moreover, N doping could be used to adjust the C electron structure and accelerate electron transfer. The present study provides a facile and effective route for the synthesis of various self-supported electrodes that fulfill the requirements of different energy storage and conversion devices.展开更多
Neutral Zn-air batteries(ZABs) have attracted much attention due to the enhanced lifespan and stability.However, their development is suppressed by the poor catalytic properties of the air-electrocatalysts for oxygen ...Neutral Zn-air batteries(ZABs) have attracted much attention due to the enhanced lifespan and stability.However, their development is suppressed by the poor catalytic properties of the air-electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction(OER). Hence,the exploration of highly efficient electrocatalysts for neutral ZABs is critical. Herein, we designed an economical heterostructure of Pt nanoparticle-modified Zn nanoplates(Pt/Zn NPs). Compared with commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst, our Pt/Zn heterostructure exhibits comparable catalytic properties and ultrahigh stability in neutral media. The heterostructure can reduce the dosage of Pt and offer sufficient active sites,resulting in enhanced catalytic properties for ORR/OER in neutral media. When applied to neutral ZABs as air cathode,our heterostructure exhibits a high power density of 45 mW cm^(-2) and excellent stability of more than 850 cycles with negligible decay, making it the most efficient and robust one in neutral electrolyte. This approach opens a new avenue to strategically design catalysts with high activity for neutral ZABs, rendering them potential in portable and wearable electronic devices.展开更多
Spin regulation of active sites is sparking much interest in boosting oxygen electrocatalytic performance.However,in amorphous electrocatalysts,the design principle of spin regulation to promote catalytic activity rem...Spin regulation of active sites is sparking much interest in boosting oxygen electrocatalytic performance.However,in amorphous electrocatalysts,the design principle of spin regulation to promote catalytic activity remains unclear.Herein,we synthesized a series of heteroatom-doped amorphous transition metal sulfides with regulated spin states using a one-step hydrothermal process.Especially in Modoped CoS,the spin state of Co^(2+)was successfully modulated to the low-spin state,which could optimize the adsorption free energy of various intermediates,improving the oxygen reduction reaction kinetics.The fabricated Zn-air batteries(ZABs)delivered good cycle stability(over 100 h).The large ZAB(100 cm^(2))exhibited a high discharge voltage(1.25 V under 0.5 A)and a superior overall mass-energy density(93 W h kg^(−1)),which illuminated a 2.5-m light-emitting-diode ribbon for over seven days.This work provides new insight into the mechanism of engineering spin states in amorphous materials for oxygen electrocatalysis.展开更多
Designing cost-effective and high-performance carbon-based oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)electrocatalysts is crucial in the development of Zn-air batteries(ZABs).In this study,a facile one-pot synthesis approach is en...Designing cost-effective and high-performance carbon-based oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)electrocatalysts is crucial in the development of Zn-air batteries(ZABs).In this study,a facile one-pot synthesis approach is engineered to construct Zn/Co-N-C carbonaceous polyhedrons interconnected with self-catalyzed-grown carbon nanotubes(CNTs)from zeolitic imidazolium frameworks linked with graphene oxide nanosheets.The special N-doped threedimensional(3 D)carbon matrix allows manipulating the exposure of active sites and the synergistic interaction between metal nanoparticles and CNTs.The as-synthesized catalyst features impressive ORR activity in 0.1 mol L^(-1)KOH(E_(1/2)=0.83 V)and 0.5 mol L^(-1)H_(2)SO_(4)(E_(1/2)=0.73 V),satisfactory cycling stability and methanol resistance comparable to those of the benchmark Pt/C catalyst(E_(1/2)=0.80 V in 0.1 mol L^(-1)KOH,E_(1/2)=0.75 V in 0.5 mol L^(-1)H_(2)SO_(4)).Furthermore,the asestablished ZAB demonstrates a competitive peak power density(90 mW cm^(-2))and prominent long-term stability,which are better than those of devices based on the commercial Pt/C catalyst(82 mW cm^(-2)).This work provides promising guidance for fabricating highly effective ORR catalysts with in situ formed CNTs,which can be applied in portable ZABrelated devices.展开更多
Mass production of highly efficient,durable,and inexpensive single atomic catalysts is currently the major challenge associated with the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)for fuel cells.In this study,we develop a general ...Mass production of highly efficient,durable,and inexpensive single atomic catalysts is currently the major challenge associated with the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)for fuel cells.In this study,we develop a general strategy that uses a simple ultrasonic atomization coupling with pyrolysis and calcination process to synthesize single atomic FeNC catalysts(FeNC SACs)at large scale.The microstructure characterizations confirm that the active centers root in the single atomic Fe sites chelating to the four-fold pyridinic N atoms.The identified specific Fe active sites with the variable valence states facilitate the transfer of electrons,endowing the FeNC SACs with excellent electrochemical ORR activity.The FeNC SACs were used as cathode catalysts in a homemade Zn-air battery,giving an open-circuit voltage(OCV)of 1.43 V,which is substantially higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts.This study provides a simple approach to the synthesis of single atomic catalysts at large scale.展开更多
文摘Storing solar energy in battery systems is crucial to achieving a green and sustainable society.However,the efficient development of photo-enhanced zinc-air batteries(ZABs)is limited by the rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers on the photocathode.In this work,the visible-light-driven CoS_(2)/CuS@CNT-C_(3)N_(4)photocatalyst with unique petal-like layer structure was designed and developed,which can be used as air electrode for visible-light-driven ZABs.The superior performance of ZABs assembled by CoS_(2)/CuS@CNT-C_(3)N_(4)was mainly attributed to the successful construction of Schottky heterojunction between g-C_(3)N_(4)and carbon nanotubes(CNTs),which accelerates the transfer of electrons from g-C_(3)N_(4)to CoS_(2)/CuS cocatalysts,improves the carrier separation ability,and extends the carrier lifetime.Thereinto,the visible-driven ZABs assembled by CoS_(2)/CuS@CNT-C_(3)N_(4)photocatalyst has a power density of 588.90 mW cm-2 and a charge-discharge cycle of 643 h under visible light irradiation,which is the highest performance ever reported for photo-enhanced ZABs.More importantly,the charge-discharge voltage drop of ZABs was only 0.54 V under visible light irradiation,which is significantly lower than the voltage drop(0.94 V)in the dark.This study provides a new idea for designing efficient and stable visible-light-driven ZABs cathode catalysts.
基金Project(21406273)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The effect of preparation routes on the physical characteristics and activity of the Ag-MnOx/C composites toward the oxygen reduction reaction （ORR） in alkaline media were studied by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, energy-dispersion spectroscopy （EDS） as well as scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and electrochemical techniques. The results show that more Ag and Mn species present on the surface of the Ag-MnOx/C composite prepared by two-step route （Ag-MnOx/C-2） compared to the one prepared by one-step route （Ag-MnOx/C-1）, which contributes to its superior activity toward the ORR. The higher electron transfer number involved in the ORR can be observed on the Ag-MnOx/C-2 composite and its specific mass kinetic current at -0.6 V （vs Hg/HgO） is 46 mA/μg, which is 23 times that on the Ag/C. The peak power density of zinc-air battery with the Ag-MnOx/C-2 air electrode reaches up to 117 mW/cm^2.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China NSFC(51702166)Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau(17JCZDJC37100)~~
文摘Zn-air batteries have attracted extensive attention for their unique features including high energy density,safety,low cost and environmental friendliness.However,due to their poor chargeability and low efficiency,the practical application remains a challenge.The main obstacles are the intrinsic slow reaction kinetics on air cathodes,including oxygen reduction reaction during the discharging process and oxygen evolution reaction during the recharging process.Searching for efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is key to solve these problems.In this review,the configuration and fundamental oxygen electrochemical reactions on air cathodes are briefly introduced for Zn-air batteries first.Then,the latest bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts are summarized in detail.Finally,the perspectives are provided for the future investigations on bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts.
文摘The application of electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) is vital in a variety of energy conversion technologies. Exploring low-cost ORR catalysts with high activity and long-term stability is highly desirable, although it still remains challenging. Herein, we report a facile and reliable route to convert ZIF-8 modified by Fe-phenanthroline into Fe-incorporated and N-doped carbon dodecahedron nanoarchitecture(Fe-NCDNA), in which carbon nanosheets are formed in situ as the building blocks with uniform Fe-N-C species decoration. Systematic electrochemical studies demonstrate that the as-synthesized Fe-NCDNA electrocatalyst possesses highly attractive catalytic features toward the ORR in terms of activity and durability in both alkaline and neutral media. The Zn-air battery with the optimal Fe-NCDNA catalyst as the cathode performs impressively, delivering a power density of 184 m W cm^–2 and a specific capacity of 801 m Ah g^–1;thus, it exhibits great competitive advantages over those of the Zn-air devices employing a Pt-based cathode electrocatalyst.
文摘A robust oxygen‐related electrocatalyst,composed of spinel iron‐cobalt oxide and nitrogen‐dopedordered mesoporous carbon(NOMC),was developed for rechargeable metal‐air batteries.Electrochemicaltests revealed that the optimal catalyst Fe_(0.5)Co/NOMC exhibits superior activity with ahalf‐wave potential of 0.89 V(vs.reversible hydrogen electrode)for the oxygen reduction reactionand an overpotential of 0.31 V at 10 mA cm^(−2)for the oxygen evolution reaction.For demonstration,the catalyst was used in the assembly of a rechargeable zinc‐air battery,which exhibited an exceptionallyhigh energy density of 820 Wh kg−1 at 100 mA cm^(−2),a high power density of 153 mW cm^(−2)at1.0 V,and superior cycling stability up to 432 cycles(144 h)under ambient air.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51702137,51802128)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,China(No.BK20181013)+1 种基金the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,China(No.18KJB430013)the Foundation of State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering,China(No.2020-KF-20).
文摘A series of transition metal nitrides(MxNy,M=Fe,Co,Ni)nanoparticle(NP)composites caged in N-doped hollow porous carbon sphere(NHPCS)were prepared by impregnation and heat treatment methods.These composites combine the high catalytic activity of nitrides and the high-efficiency mass transfer characteristics of NHPCS.The oxygen reduction reaction results indicate that Fe2N/NHPCS has the synergistic catalytic performance of higher onset potential(0.96 V),higher electron transfer number(~4)and higher limited current density(1.4 times as high as that of commercial Pt/C).In addition,this material is implemented as the air catalyst for zinc−air battery that exhibits considerable specific capacity(795.1 mA·h/g)comparable to that of Pt/C,higher durability and maximum power density(173.1 mW/cm2).
文摘Integrating two different catalytic active sites into one composite is a useful 2-in-1 strategy for designing high-efficient bifunctional catalysts,which can easily tailor the activity of each reaction.Hence,we adopt the 2-in-1 strategy to design the metal oxyhydroxide supported on N-doped porous carbons(PA-CoFe@NPC)as the oxygen bifunctional catalyst,where NPC provides the activity for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)while the metal oxyhydroxide is responsible for oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Results demonstrate that the PA-CoFe@NPC indeed exhibits both super ORR and OER activities.Impressively,using bifunctional PA-CoFe@NPC as the oxygen electrode,the resulting Zn-air battery exhibits outstanding charge and discharge performance with the peak power density of 156.3 mW cm^(-2),and also exhibits a long-term cycle stability with continuous cyclic charge and discharge of 170 hours that is obviously better than the 20%Pt/C+IrO_(2)based one.The 2-in-1 strategy in this work can be efficiently extended to design other bi-or multi-functional electrocatalysts.
文摘The rational design of efficient and stable carbon-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions is crucial for improving energy density and long-term stability of rechargeable zinc-air batteries(ZABs).Herein,a general and controllable synthesis method was developed to prepare three-dimensional(3D)porous carbon composites embedded with diverse metal phosphide nanocrystallites by interfacial coordination of transition metal ions with phytic acid-doped polyaniline networks and subsequent pyrolysis.Phytic acid as the dopant of polyaniline provides favorable anchoring sites for metal ions owing to the coordination interaction.Specifically,adjusting the concentration of adsorbed cobalt ions can achieve the phase regulation of transition metal phosphides.Thus,with abundant cobalt phosphide nanoparticles and nitrogen-and phosphorus-doping sites,the obtained carbon-based electrocatalysts exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activities toward oxygen reduction and evolution reactions.Consequently,the fabricated ZABs exhibited a high energy density,high power density of 368 mW cm^(-2),and good cycling/mechanical stability,which could power water splitting for integrated device fabrication with high gas yields.
文摘Efficient and affordable electrocatalysts for reversible oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions(ORR and OER,respectively)are highly sought-after for use in rechargeable metal-air batteries.However,the construction of high-performance electrocatalysts that possess both largely accessible active sites and superior ORR/OER intrinsic activities is challenging.Herein,we report the design and successful preparation of a 3D hierarchically porous graphene framework with interconnected interlayer macropores and in-plane mesopores,enriched with pyridinic-nitrogen-cobalt(pyri-N-Co)active sites,namely,CoFe/3D-NLG.The pyri-N-Co bonding significantly accelerates sluggish oxygen electrocatalysis kinetics,in turn substantially improving the intrinsic ORR/OER activities per active site,while copious interlayer macropores and in-plane mesopores enable ultra-efficient mass transfer throughout the graphene architecture,thus ensuring sufficient exposure of accessible pyri-N-Co active sites to the reagents.Such a robust catalyst structure endows CoFe/3D-NLG with a remarkably enhanced reversible oxygen electrocatalysis performance,with the ORR half-wave potential identical to that of the benchmark Pt/C catalyst,and OER activity far surpassing that of the noble-metal-based RuO2 catalyst.Moreover,when employed as an air electrode for a rechargeable Zn-air battery,CoFe/3D-NLG manifests an exceedingly high open-circuit voltage(1.56 V),high peak power density(213 mW cm^(–2)),ultra-low charge/discharge voltage(0.63 V),and excellent charge/discharge cycling stability,outperforming state-of-the-art noble-metal electrocatalysts.
文摘Reversible oxygen reaction plays a crucial role in rechargeable battery systems,but it is limited by the slow reaction kinetics.Herein,the ionic modulation of cobalt pentlandite coupled with nitrogen‐doped bowl‐like hollow carbon sphere is well designed on octahedral and tetrahedral sites.The robust FexCo9−xS8‐NHCS‐V with iron replacing at the octahedron possesses prolonged metal sulfur bond and exhibits excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performance towards oxygen reduction reaction(ORR,E_(1/2)=0.80 V vs.RHE)and excellent oxygen evolution reaction(OER,E_(j=10)=1.53 V vs.RHE)in 0.1 mol/L KOH.Accordingly,a rechargeable Zn‐air battery of Fe_(x)Co_(9−x)S_(8)‐NHCS‐V cathode endows high energy efficiency(102 mW cm^(−2)),and a microbial fuel cell achieves a high‐power density(791±42 mW m^(−2)),outperforming the benchmark Pt/C catalyst.
基金Anhui Exploitation Fund of Person with Ability( 2006Z029).
文摘Electric bicycles powered by lead-acid batteries have developed very fast for several years in China. Because the inconvenience caused by the service performance and the inconsistency to the environmental protection policy of the lead-acid battery, the zinc-air power battery was proposed to solve the problem in this paper. The advantage and the feasibility of developing zinc-air power batteries in China have been illustrated in the paper. And, it is represented that development of electric bicycles powered by the zinc-air power battery also can accelerate this kind of battery's development in other electric vehicles, which is favorable to economic development and environmental protection.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21701101)the National Key Research and Development Project,Key Projects of Intergovernmental International Innovation Cooperation(2018YFE0118200 and 2016YFF0204402)+4 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(18CX06063A)the Key Research and Development Project of Shandong Province(2019JZZY010506)the Scientific Research Awards Foundation for Outstanding Young Scientists of Shandong Province(ZR2018JL010)the Joint Fund of Outstanding Young Talents of Shandong Province(ZR2017BB018)the Program of Qingdao Scientific and Technological Innovation High-level Talents Project(172-1-1-zhc)。
文摘An atomically dispersed FeCo-NC material with the 3D flower-like morphology was used as a unique substrate for the controllable deposition of ultrasmall NiFe layered double hydroxide nanodots(termed as NiFe-NDs)to simultaneously promote the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER).The size-limiting growth of NiFe-NDs(~4.0 nm in diameter)was realized via the confinement of the 3D flower-like mesoporous structure and the rich N/O functionality of FeCo-NC.Benefiting from the distinctive structure with the simultaneously maximum exposure of both OER and ORR active sites,the NiFe-ND/FeCo-NC composite showed an ORR halfwave potential of 0.85 V and an OER potential of 1.66 V in0.1 mol L-1KOH at 10.0 mA cm-2.In-situ Raman analysis suggested the activity of OER was derived from the Ni sites on NiFe-ND/FeCo-NC.Moreover,the NiFe-ND/FeCo-NC-assembled Zn-air battery(ZAB)exhibited a very small discharge-charge voltage gap of 0.87 V at 20 mA cm-2and robust cycling stability.Furthermore,the NiFe-ND/FeCo-NC composite was also applicable for fabricating all-solid-state ZAB to power wearable electronics with superior cycling stability under deformation.Our work could enlighten a new applicable branch of atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon materials as unique substrates for fabricating multifunctional electrocatalysts.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51871119 and 51901100)the High-Level Entrepreneurial and Innovative Talents Program of Jiangsu Province,Jiangsu Provincial Funds for Natural Science Foundation (BK20170793 and BK20180015)+2 种基金the Six Talent Peak Project of Jiangsu Province (2018-XCL-033)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M640481 and 2019T120426)the Foundation of Graduation Innovation Center in NUAA (kfjj20190609)。
文摘The demanding all-in-one electrocatalyst system for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR), oxygen evolution reaction(OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) in zinc-air batteries or water splitting requires elaborate material manufacturing, which is usually complicated and time-consuming.Efficient interface engineering between MXene and highly active electrocatalytic species(CoS_(2)) is, herein, achieved by an in situ hydrothermal growth and facile sulfurization process.The CoS_(2)@MXene electrocatalyst is composed by one-dimensional CoS_(2) nanowires and two-dimensional MXene nanosheets, which lead to a hierarchical structure(large specific surface area and abundant active sites), a spatial electron redistribution(high intrinsic activity), and high anchoring strength(superior performance stability). Therefore, the electrocatalyst achieves enhanced catalytic activity and longtime stability for ORR(a half-wave potential of 0.80 V), OER(an overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2), i.e., η10= 270 mV)and HER(η10= 175 mV). Furthermore, the asymmetry water splitting system based on the CoS_(2)@MXene composites delivers a low overall voltage of 1.63 V at 10 mA cm^(-2). The solidstate zinc-air batteries using CoS_(2)@MXene as the air cathode display a small charge-discharge voltage gap(0.53 V at1 mA cm^(-2)) and superior stability(60 circles and 20-h continuous test). The energy interconversion between the chemical energy and electricity can be achieved by a self-powered system via integrating the water splitting system and quasisolid-state zinc-air batteries. Supported by in situ Raman analyses, the formation of cobalt oxyhydroxide species provides the active sites for water oxidation. This study paves apromising avenue for the design and application of multifunctional nanocatalysts.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21875062)State Key Laboratory of Pressure Hydrometallurgical Technology of Associated Nonferrous Metal Resources(yy20160012),China
文摘Exploring high-activity electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance for a variety of renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. Herein, we fabricated novel ORR electrocatalysts derived from Ni-Co nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow tubular C-N composites (ht-CN) through an easy and scalable pyrolysis route utilizing nickel acetate and cobalt acetate as metal precursors, 2-cyanoguanidine as the nitrogen source, and sucrose as the carbon source. Among the prepared nanocomposite catalysts with different molar ratios ofNi/Co, the catalyst Ni2Co3@ht-CN exhibits an outstanding ORR electroactivity comparable to Pt/C catalyst both in alkaline and neutral media. Home-made zinc-air battery with the Ni2Co3@ht-CN as cathode electrocatalyst presents excellent performance and superior durability either in neutral or alkaline medium. The Ni2Co3@ht-CN battery delivers an open circuit voltage of 1.08 V and a maximum power density of 47 mW cm^-2 in 0.5 mol L^-1 KNO3 solution, while 1.51 V and 314 mW cm^-2 in 6 mol L-^1 KOH solution. In addition, whether in neutral or alkaline solution, the constant current discharge curves of the Ni2Co3@ht-CN battery at different current densities exhibit higher voltage plateau and stability than the Pt/C battery. Results demonstrate the potential application of the catalysts of the present investigation to Zn-air batteries both in alkaline and neutral media.
基金the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21771059, 21631004 and 21571054)the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province (JJ2019YX0122)+1 种基金Heilongjiang Provincial Postdoctoral Science Foundation (LBH-Q16194)the excellent Youth Foundation of Heilongjiang University (JC201706)
文摘The construction of transition metal-based catalysts with high activity and stability has been widely regarded as a promising method to replace the precious metal Pt for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).Herein,we synthesized CoFe alloy nanoparticle-embedded N-doped graphitic carbon(CoFe/NC)nanostructures as ORR electrocatalysts.The ZIF-67(zeolitic imidazolate framework,ZIF)nanocubes were first synthesized,followed by an introduction of Fe2+ions to form CoFe-ZIF precursors via a simple ion-exchange route.Subsequently,the CoFe/NC composites were synthesized through a facile pyrolysis strategy.The ORR activity and the contents of cobalt and iron could be effectively adjusted by controlling the solution concentration of Fe2+ions used for the ion exchange and the pyrolysis temperature.The CoFe/NC-0.2-900 composite(synthesized with 0.2 mmol of FeSO4·7H2O at a pyrolysis temperature of 900℃)exhibited ORR activity that was superior to the other samples owing to a synergistic effect of the bimetal,especially considering the extremely high limiting current density of 6.4 mA cm^-2 compared with that of Pt/C(5.1 mA cm^-2).Rechargeable Zn-air batteries were assembled employing CoFe/NC-0.2-900 and NiFeP/NF(NiFeP supported on nickel foam(NF))as the catalysts for the discharging and charging processes,respectively,The above materials achieved reduced discharging and charging platforms,high power density,and prolonged cycling stability compared with conventional Pt/C+RuO2/C catalysts.
基金the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21631004, 21771059 and 21571054)Heilongjiang Provincial Postdoctoral Science Foundation (LBH-Q16194)
文摘Although the application of various nonprecious compounds as the air cathodes of Zn-air batteries has been explored, the construction of highly efficient selfsupported Co-based electrodes remains challenging and highly desired given their outstanding electrocatalytic activity and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we fabricated a three-dimensional(3D) self-supported electrode based on N-doped,carbon-coated Co3O4 nanosheets grown on a carbon cloth(i.e., NC-Co3O4/CC) through the electrochemical deposition and carbonization. When used as a binder-free electrode for oxygen evolution reaction(OER), the NC–Co3O4/CC electrode demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic activity with an overpotential of 210 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 and a Tafel slope of79.6 mV dec^-1. In the Zn-air battery test, the electrode delivered a small charge/discharge voltage gap(0.87 V at 10 mA cm^-2) and exhibited high durability without degradation after 93 cycles at the large current density of 25 mA cm^-2.The durability of our electrode was superior to that of a commercial Pt/C+RuO2 catalyst. The excellent performance of NC–Co3O4/CC could be attributed to the presence of 3D structures that promoted electron/ion transfer. By the absence of a binder, the carbon coating improved electron conductivity and promoted electrochemical stability. Moreover, N doping could be used to adjust the C electron structure and accelerate electron transfer. The present study provides a facile and effective route for the synthesis of various self-supported electrodes that fulfill the requirements of different energy storage and conversion devices.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21706090 and 51772135)the Ministry of Education of China (6141A02022516)+3 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (2014A030306010)Jinan University (88016105)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangzhou (201904010049)the Fundamental Research Foundation for the Central Universities (21617326)。
文摘Neutral Zn-air batteries(ZABs) have attracted much attention due to the enhanced lifespan and stability.However, their development is suppressed by the poor catalytic properties of the air-electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction(OER). Hence,the exploration of highly efficient electrocatalysts for neutral ZABs is critical. Herein, we designed an economical heterostructure of Pt nanoparticle-modified Zn nanoplates(Pt/Zn NPs). Compared with commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst, our Pt/Zn heterostructure exhibits comparable catalytic properties and ultrahigh stability in neutral media. The heterostructure can reduce the dosage of Pt and offer sufficient active sites,resulting in enhanced catalytic properties for ORR/OER in neutral media. When applied to neutral ZABs as air cathode,our heterostructure exhibits a high power density of 45 mW cm^(-2) and excellent stability of more than 850 cycles with negligible decay, making it the most efficient and robust one in neutral electrolyte. This approach opens a new avenue to strategically design catalysts with high activity for neutral ZABs, rendering them potential in portable and wearable electronic devices.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52122107 and 972224)the Postdoctoral International Exchange Program(YJ20200139).
文摘Spin regulation of active sites is sparking much interest in boosting oxygen electrocatalytic performance.However,in amorphous electrocatalysts,the design principle of spin regulation to promote catalytic activity remains unclear.Herein,we synthesized a series of heteroatom-doped amorphous transition metal sulfides with regulated spin states using a one-step hydrothermal process.Especially in Modoped CoS,the spin state of Co^(2+)was successfully modulated to the low-spin state,which could optimize the adsorption free energy of various intermediates,improving the oxygen reduction reaction kinetics.The fabricated Zn-air batteries(ZABs)delivered good cycle stability(over 100 h).The large ZAB(100 cm^(2))exhibited a high discharge voltage(1.25 V under 0.5 A)and a superior overall mass-energy density(93 W h kg^(−1)),which illuminated a 2.5-m light-emitting-diode ribbon for over seven days.This work provides new insight into the mechanism of engineering spin states in amorphous materials for oxygen electrocatalysis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51872076 and U1804255)the Program for Innovative Research Team of Henan Scientific Committee(CXTD2014033)+1 种基金the Project of Central Plains Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talents of Henan Province(194200510001)the Scientific and Technological Research Project of Henan province(212102210651)。
文摘Designing cost-effective and high-performance carbon-based oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)electrocatalysts is crucial in the development of Zn-air batteries(ZABs).In this study,a facile one-pot synthesis approach is engineered to construct Zn/Co-N-C carbonaceous polyhedrons interconnected with self-catalyzed-grown carbon nanotubes(CNTs)from zeolitic imidazolium frameworks linked with graphene oxide nanosheets.The special N-doped threedimensional(3 D)carbon matrix allows manipulating the exposure of active sites and the synergistic interaction between metal nanoparticles and CNTs.The as-synthesized catalyst features impressive ORR activity in 0.1 mol L^(-1)KOH(E_(1/2)=0.83 V)and 0.5 mol L^(-1)H_(2)SO_(4)(E_(1/2)=0.73 V),satisfactory cycling stability and methanol resistance comparable to those of the benchmark Pt/C catalyst(E_(1/2)=0.80 V in 0.1 mol L^(-1)KOH,E_(1/2)=0.75 V in 0.5 mol L^(-1)H_(2)SO_(4)).Furthermore,the asestablished ZAB demonstrates a competitive peak power density(90 mW cm^(-2))and prominent long-term stability,which are better than those of devices based on the commercial Pt/C catalyst(82 mW cm^(-2)).This work provides promising guidance for fabricating highly effective ORR catalysts with in situ formed CNTs,which can be applied in portable ZABrelated devices.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,51971029)the NSFC-BRICS STI Framework Program(51861145309)+4 种基金the National S&T Major Project(2018ZX10301201)the Joint Research Project of University of Science and Technology Beijing&Taipei University of Technology(TW2018007)the“1125”Zhihui Zhengzhou Talent Project of Henan Province(39080070)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(FRF-BR-15-027A)the fund supports from the“100 talent plan”fund of Fujian province(Contract No:2017-802)。
文摘Mass production of highly efficient,durable,and inexpensive single atomic catalysts is currently the major challenge associated with the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)for fuel cells.In this study,we develop a general strategy that uses a simple ultrasonic atomization coupling with pyrolysis and calcination process to synthesize single atomic FeNC catalysts(FeNC SACs)at large scale.The microstructure characterizations confirm that the active centers root in the single atomic Fe sites chelating to the four-fold pyridinic N atoms.The identified specific Fe active sites with the variable valence states facilitate the transfer of electrons,endowing the FeNC SACs with excellent electrochemical ORR activity.The FeNC SACs were used as cathode catalysts in a homemade Zn-air battery,giving an open-circuit voltage(OCV)of 1.43 V,which is substantially higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts.This study provides a simple approach to the synthesis of single atomic catalysts at large scale.
