The formation of Zn dendrites and ZnO byproducts in Zn−air batteries is the reason for their poor performance, which needs urgent scrutiny. Here, an attempt is made to grow highsurface-area three-dimensional (3D) Zn nanoflakes on molecularly modified Zn surface. The approach is simple, cost effective, and straightforward for a large-scale production of anode. Additionally, Co 3 O 4 as a catalyst for oxygen evolution is effectively immobilized on nickel foam by a simple spray pyrolysis technique. It provides a stable current density of 10 mA cm −2 at 1.51 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)). A Zn−air battery is assembled in a homemade setup and studied in detail for its electrochemical properties. It shows outstanding cycling stability of more than 500 charge−discharge cycles at 5 mA cm −2 (83 h). A comparative study is carried out for unmodified and modified Zn anodes. It is observed that molecular modification has a strong influence on battery performance. Hence, the present approach can be innovative in the development of next-generation Zn−air batteries.

Metal-air batteries, which are economical and ecological alternatives to Li-ion batteries, have become important energy storage systems. In this study, bimetallic oxides of widely accepted transition metals like MnCo2O4 and...

Surface states of solids provide a unique way to graft organic molecules into monolayers by simple dip chemistry. Such interfaces can be highly functional and serve as a foundation for the formation of precisely controlled nanostructures of other materials via atomic/molecular diffusion, adsorption, and growth. The coverage, orientation, consistency, and functionality of these monolayers can be easily tailored to create technologically important materials. On the other hand, research on batteries has skyrocketed in recent times due to a paradigm shift toward nonconventional energy resources and the pledge of the transport sector to go soon all electric. Therefore, meeting energy demands by coping with global climate protocols is important for sustainable development. In this regard, the fabrication of efficient, stable, and long-lasting electrodes for lithium as well as nonlithium batteries is needed. However, they suffer from several electrode issues which ultimately limit their storage capacity and cycle life. Recently, there has been a scientific trend to incorporate suitably chosen organic monolayers for controlled syntheses of active materials that are highly catalytic and functional to improve the performances of metal–air and other batteries. Moreover, molecular surface modification techniques have been commercially adopted for corrosion inhibition, moletronics, surface activation/protection, etc. Looking at the resurgence of molecular engineering and unconventional energy storage systems in recent times, it is necessary to bring molecular dynamics and versatility in designing novel electrode materials. This review intends to increase the attention to address the challenges of battery electrodes using cutting-edge surface chemistry and molecular engineering techniques by providing critical insights on molecular monolayers for the development of futuristic metal–air batteries.

As far as diodes are concerned, a major breakthrough was achieved when Walter H. Schottky formed a metal–semiconductor junction, which is typically known as a Schottky diode. Its fast switching speed and low forward voltage, as well as its importance in direct current and microwave applications make the Schottky diode a more interesting electronic device. Due to its fundamental importance, study of the Schottky diode is essential for students at graduate/postgraduate levels. In the present work, a simple experiment is suggested to measure temperature-dependent current–voltage characteristics of the commercial Cu-Si Schottky diode. This enables the estimation of several fundamental parameters such as the (e/kB) ratio, Schottky barrier height (SBH) and the Richardson constant as well as the effective mass of electrons in a semiconductor.

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