Biomass derived robust Fe4N active sites supported on porous carbons as oxygen reduction reaction catalysts for durable Zn–air batteries. Issue 7 (1st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Xiangyu; Yang, Peixia; Xu, Hao; Xiao, Lihui; Liu, Lilai; Li, Ruopeng; Alekseeva, Elena; Zhang, Jinqiu; Levin, Oleg; An, Maozhong
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 11:Issue 7(2023)
• Page Start: 3725
• Page End: 3734
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d2ta08737e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : Fe4 N active sites supported on porous carbons were prepared and exhibit excellent ORR performance. The Zn–air battery shows a peak power density of 182 mW cm −2 and a charge–discharge cycle over 1000 h. Abstract : It is necessary to explore affordable, high-performance, and durable catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, a zinc-assisted pyrolysis-biomass strategy was proposed to prepare robust Fe4 N active sites supported on porous carbons (Fe4 N@N–C) and achieve a large-scale preparation. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between Fe4 N active sites and highly graphitized three-dimensional porous carbon, which possess high intrinsic activity and strong adaptability, the obtained Fe4 N@N–C catalyst exhibits a half-wave potential ( E 1/2 ) of 0.903 V and remarkable catalytic stability (only a 1 mV negative shift of E 1/2 after 5000 cycles) in alkaline media. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the outstanding activity originates from the synergistic effect of Fe4 N sites and graphitic N-doped carbon, which could efficiently reduce the energy barrier in the ORR process. The assembled aqueous and solid-state Zn–air batteries (ZABs) deliver high peak power densities of 182 and 121 mW cm −2 . Interestingly, the aqueous ZAB shows a stable cycle for 1033 hours (6198 cycles). This work provides a method for obtaining efficient and durable catalysts as a result of the low-cost and sustainable preparation process of biomass.