Hierarchically Porous Co/CoxMy (M = P, N) as an Efficient Mott–Schottky Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution in Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries. Issue 28 (29th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Jiangyue; Fan, Chuang; Hu, Xianyu; Wang, Chao; Huang, Zihan; Fu, Gengtao; Lee, Jong‐Min; Tang, Yawen
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 15:Issue 28(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-05-29
• Subjects: Co/CoxMy (M = P -- hierarchical nanosheets -- Mott–Schottky electrocatalyst -- N) -- NaCl template -- oxygen evolution reaction -- Zn–air battery; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201901518
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: Tailoring composition and morphology of electrocatalysts is of great importance in improving their catalytic performance. Herein, a salt‐templated strategy is proposed to construct novel multicomponent Co/Co x M y (M = P, N) hybrids with outstanding electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The obtained Co/Co x M y hybrids present porous sheet‐like architecture consisting of many hierarchical secondary building‐units. The synthetic strategy depends on a facile and effective dissolution–recrystallization–pyrolysis process under NH3 atmosphere of the precursors, which does not involve any surfactant or long‐time hydrothermal pretreatment. That is different from the conventional methods for the synthesis of hierarchical nitrides/phosphides. Benefitting from unique composition/structure‐dependent merits, the Co/Co x M y hybrids as a typical Mott–Schottky electrocatalyst exhibit good OER performance in an alkaline medium compared with their counterparts, as evidenced by a low overpotential of 334 mV at 10 mA cm −2 and a small Tafel slope of 79.2 mV dec −1, as well as superior long‐term stability. More importantly, the Co/Co x M y +Pt/C achieves higher voltaic efficiency and several times longer cycle life than conventional RuO2 +Pt/C catalysts in rechargeable Zn–air batteries. It is envisioned that the present work can provide a new avenue for the development of Mott–Schottky electrocatalysts for sustainable energy storage. Abstract : A novel Co/Co x M y (M = P, N) Mott–Schottky electrocatalyst with hierarchically porous structure has been synthesized via a new salt (NaCl)‐templated strategy. Benefitting from the unique composition/structure‐dependent merits, the Co/Co x M y hybrids exhibit remarkably improved electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction, and potential practicability in rechargeable Zn–air batteries.