Interfacial interaction between molybdenum phosphide and N, P co-doped hollow carbon fibers boosting the oxygen electrode reactions in zinc-air batteries. (1st November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: He, Miao; Shu, Chaozhu; Zheng, Ruixing; Li, Minglu; Ran, Zhiqun; Yan, Yu; Du, Dayue; Ren, Longfei; Long, Jianping
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 394(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11-01
• Subjects: Metal-air batteries -- Oxygen electrodes -- Electrocatalysts -- Carbonaceous materials -- Interfacial interaction; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Highlights: Novel bifunctional MoP@N, P-HCF catalyst were synthesized. Strong electron transfer is realized at the interface due to the interfacial interaction. Unique electron-reconfigured interfaces formed via local electronic structure modulation accelerate oxygen electrode kinetics. The assembled ZABs delivers excellent cycling durability. Abstract: The development of highly efficient electrocatalysts with excellent stability and electrocatalytic activity for oxygen electrode reactions is important for facilitating the application of rechargeable zinc-air batteries. The interface interaction between components is one of the most important factors that affects the catalytic activity of electrode materials. Herein, N and P co-doped hollow carbon fibers embedded with molybdenum phosphide nanoparticles (MoP@N, P-HCF) are elaborately fabricated as novel bifunctional electrocatalysts to study the influence of interface interaction on oxygen redox reactions in zinc-air batteries. As evidenced, a strong electron transfer is realized at the interface between N, P-HCF and MoP NPs due to their remarkable interfacial interaction, enabling the uniform combination of the nanoparticles with the doped carbonaceous matrix. More importantly, the rearrangement of electrons along the heterogeneous interface in MoP@N, P-HCF endows the electrode with abundant active sites and excellent catalytic activity, thus promoting the kinetics of the oxygen electrode reactions. Based on the above merits, MoP@N, P-HCF based rechargeable zinc-air batteries demonstrate improved power density of 93.8 mW cm −2 and superior cyclability of over 600 cycles. Our work emphasizes the significant role of interface chemistry between conductive carbon matrix and transition metal compounds in regulating the catalytic activity and provides a profound insight for the development of highly active and stable oxygen electrode materials.