Electronically coupled layered double hydroxide/MXene quantum dot metallic hybrids for high‐performance flexible zinc–air batteries. Issue 10 (29th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Han, Xiaotong; Li, Nannan; Xiong, Peixun; Jung, Min Gyu; Kang, Yingbo; Dou, Qingyun; Liu, Qing; Lee, Jin Yong; Park, Ho Seok
• Is Part Of: InfoMat. Volume 3:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1134
• Page End: 1144
• Publication Date: 2021-06-29
• Subjects: 2D quantum dots -- flexible battery -- metallic hybrids -- oxygen electrochemistry -- Zn–air battery; Materials -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Periodicals; Smart materials -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12226
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2567-3165

Abstract

Abstract: Precise control of the local electronic structure and properties of electrocatalysts is important for enhancing the multifunctionality and durability of electrocatalysts and for correlating the structure/chemistry with the catalytic properties. Herein, we report electronically coupled metallic hybrids of NiFe layered double hydroxide nanosheet/Ti3 C2 MXene quantum dots deposited on a nitrogen‐doped graphene surface (LDH/MQD/NG) for high‐performance flexible Zn–air batteries (ZABs). As verified from the Mott–Schottky and Nyquist plots, as well as spectroscopic, electrochemical, and computational analyses, the electronic and chemical coupling of LDH/MQD/NG modulates the local electronic and surface structure of the active LDH to provide metallic conductivity and abundant active sites, leading to significantly improved bifunctional activity and electrocatalytic kinetics. The rechargeable ZABs with LDH/MQD/NG hybrids are superior to the previous LDH‐based ZABs, demonstrating a high power density (113.8 mW cm −2 ) and excellent cycle stability (150 h at 5 mA cm −2 ). Moreover, the corresponding quasi solid‐state ZABs are completely flexible and practical, affording a high power density of 57.6 mW cm −2 even in the bent state, and in real‐life operation of tandem cells for powering various electronic devices. Abstract : Flexible, rechargeable zinc–air batteries have been considered as an attractive power source to meet the ever‐increasing demands for flexible and wearable electronic devices owing to their low cost and high safety. Electronically coupled metallic hybrids of NiFe layered double hydroxide nanosheets/Ti3 C2 MXene quantum dots deposited on a nitrogen‐doped graphene surface (LDH/MQD/NG) were prepared as an efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst. With precise control of the local electronic structure and the structure/chemistry properties, the resultant hybrids exhibit metallic conductivity and abundant active sites, affording significantly improved electrocatalytic ORR/OER activity, and delivering high power density and flexibility for application in flexible Zn–air batteries.