Carbon-pore-sheathed cobalt nanoseeds: An exceptional and durable bifunctional catalyst for zinc-air batteries. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xing, Zhenyu; Deng, Ya-Ping; Sy, Serubbabel; Tan, Guoqiang; Li, Aiju; Li, Jingde; Niu, Yue; Li, Na; Su, Dong; Lu, Jun; Chen, Zhongwei
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 65(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Zinc-air batteries -- Bifunctional catalyst -- Carbon pore confinement -- Carbon defects -- Durability; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2019.104051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Exceptional and durable catalysts for Zinc-air batteries are plagued by nanoparticle agglomeration. As a proof-of-concept, we designed carbon-pore-sheathed cobalt nanoseeds by loading cobalt nanoparticles into N-doped defective carbon pores. Introduced N-doping, Co–N–C bond and graphitic/graphenic carbon defects endow the catalyst with exceptional catalytic activity. Most importantly, the design of Co confined within carbon pores effectively solved the dilemma of nanomaterial stability. By balancing the high catalytic activity and stable cyclability, this unique catalyst is among the outstanding bifunctional catalysts, with a high ORR half-wave potential of 0.847 V and a low OER potential at 10 mA/cm 2 of 1.593 V. As demonstrated in the full cell, a peak power density of 135 mW/cm 2 at a current density of 200 mA/cm 2 and 450 h of stable cycling performance without fading at a current density of 30 mA/cm 2 was delivered. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Carbon-pore-sheathed cobalt nanoseeds as a catalyst for Zn-air batteries. Exceptional catalytic activity is due to N-doping, Co–N–C bond and carbon defects. Carbon pore confinement effectively solved the dilemma of nanomaterial stability.