Atomically Dispersed Transition Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are currently receiving extensive attention because of their extremely high theoretical specific energy density, low manufacturing costs, and environmental friendliness. Exploring bifunctional catalysts with high activity and stability to overcome sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction is critical for the development of rechargeable ZABs. Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts possessing prominent advantages of high metal atom utilization and electrocatalytic activity are promising candidates to promote oxygen electrocatalysis. In this work, general principles for designing atomically dispersed M-N-C are reviewed. Then, strategies aiming at enhancing the bifunctional catalytic activity and stability are presented. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of M-N-C bifunctional oxygen catalysts for ZABs are outlined. It is expected that this review will provide insights into the targeted optimization of atomically dispersed M-N-C catalysts in rechargeable ZABs.

Supramolecular Polymer Intertwined Free-Standing Bifunctional Membrane Catalysts for All-Temperature Flexible Zn–Air Batteries

“…Pt-, Ir/Ru-based materials are the present benchmark catalysts for oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER). The poor economic viability, time-drifting catalytic efficiency, scarcity, and singular catalytic characters (Pt/C for ORR or HER, Ir/Ru for OER), however, limit the scalable deployment of ZABs [ 15 – 18 ]. Extensive efforts have been directed to enlarge the operational efficiencies of bifunctional catalysts to boost the electrochemical kinetics of flexible ZABs.…”

MOF-Derived Co and Fe Species Loaded on N-Doped Carbon Networks as Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Zn-Air Batteries

“…However, the scarcity, high cost, single functionality and instability of these noble metal catalysts hinder the practical application. For searching for cheap, efficient, bifunctional and durable alternatives of noble metal catalysts [2,[11][12][13], transition metal-based materials loaded on carbon substrates demonstrate great potential for ORR and OER [14][15][16][17][18][19], since carbon substrates have high electrical conductivity and transition metals could serve as active sites for ORR/OER. However, rationally constructing bifunctional transition metal/carbon composite catalysts remains a challenge [20][21][22].…”

NiFe nanoparticles supported on N-doped graphene hollow spheres entangled with self-grown N-doped carbon nanotubes for liquid electrolyte/flexible all-solid-state rechargeable zinc–air batteries

“…20 As a result, it is very important to explore high-efficiency and non-expensive bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts with excellent stability for use in ZABs. 21,22 As a possible substitute, transition-metal-based materials (such as oxides, phosphides, suldes, and nitrides) present good electrocatalytic activity and durability. 23,24 The OER activity of nickel (Ni) is signicantly improved with the modication of iron (Fe), which was rst proposed by Corrigan.…”

“…20 As a result, it is very important to explore high-efficiency and non-expensive bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts with excellent stability for use in ZABs. 21,22…”