Preventing surface passivation of transition metal nanoparticles in oxygen electrocatalyst to extend the lifespan of Zn-air battery. (20th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Zhuo; Han, Changcun; Huang, Chuyun; Dong, Zehua; Ma, Xinguo
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials science & technology. Volume 128(2022)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2022-11-20
• Subjects: Prussian blue analogous -- Bifunctional electrocatalysts -- Zn-air batteries -- Quasi in-situ electrochemical tests; Metals -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Materials science; Metals; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2022.03.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1005-0302

Abstract

Highlights: A MOFs-derived bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst was prepared. The electron transfer from Ru to Co/Fe could improve the OER performance. The porous carbon structure caused by Zn evaporation could promote both the ORR and OER activity. A quasi in-situ electrochemical test in the battery cell was used to observe the surface passivation of transition metal nanoparticles. Abstract: Prolonging the lifespan of oxygen catalysts in Zn-air batteries was urgently required for the potential commercialization. Herein, two interactional active species were integrated into porous N-doped carbon microspheres (Co-Fe-Ru/PNCS) to act as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. Due to the electron transfer from Ru to Co/Fe element, the high value state of Ru could promote OER performance and reduce the charge voltage of the battery. An extended cycle stability of 200 h was achieved in Co-Fe-Ru/PNCS-based battery. Moreover, the quasi in-situ potentiodynamic sweep of air-electrode in battery cell confirmed it was the incorporation of Ru that avoided the passivation of Co/Fe-based nanoparticles. Accordingly, this novel electrocatalyst may provide a new strategy of designing durable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for Zn-air batteries.