Eu2O3–Cu/NC nanocomposite catalyst with improved oxygen reduction reaction activity for Zn-air batteries. (19th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Liyuan; Li, Dewei; Du, Hongli; Zhu, Jichao; Hu, Lifang; Guo, Dongcai
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 3974
• Page End: 3983
• Publication Date: 2021-01-19
• Subjects: Copper -- Rare earth oxide -- Europium -- Zn-air battery -- Oxygen reduction reaction; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.10.254
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Rare earth oxide promoted transition metal composite catalyst Eu2 O3 –Cu/NC with outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance, is constructed by hydrothermal and subsequent high-temperature calcination, considering replacing Pt/C. This synthesis method yields Eu2 O3 –Cu nanoparticles with uniform distribution, improved oxygen vacancies and increased content of N-doping. And the strong synergistic effect was created between promoter Eu2 O3 and chief Cu. In addition, the accommodate adsorption and transfer of O species endow Eu2 O3 –Cu/NC the improved ORR activity than Eu2 O3 /NC and Cu/NC. Meanwhile, the stability of Eu2 O3 –Cu/NC is also strengthened compared to Cu/NC on account of the interaction of active sites, and the H2 O2 yield of Eu2 O3 –Cu/NC is very low. For practical application, a rechargeable Zn-air battery with an air cathode of Eu2 O3 –Cu/NC displays a larger power density, excellent charge-discharge cycle stability and good rate capability. The designed composite shows potential application prospects in the fields of energy conversion. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel rare earth improved composite Eu2 O3 -Cu/NC ORR catalyst was prepared. The strong interaction between Eu2 O3 and Cu boosts the ORR activity. The introduction of Eu2 O3 brings huge oxygen vacancies. Zn-air battery performance of Eu2 O3 -Cu/NC is comparable to Pt/C based battery.