Carbon‐based cathode materials for rechargeable zinc‐air batteries: From current collectors to bifunctional integrated air electrodes

Abstract

Rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) have attracted much attention as the next‐generation energy conversion and storage devices due to the abundance and environmental friendliness of zinc (Zn) for anode materials, as well as the safety and low cost of aqueous electrolytes. However, rational design of nonprecious and low‐cost integrated air cathode materials with a desirable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic performance remains a great challenge for the commercialization of rechargeable ZABs. In previous research studies, various cost‐effective carbon‐supported electrocatalysts and light‐weight carbon‐based current collectors for air cathodes have been developed, showing vast potential in the application of carbon‐based materials. To improve the bifunctional performance and integration of air cathodes, efforts with respect to the design of morphology, defects, and synergistic effects of carbon‐based materials have been made. In this perspective, the general understanding of the air cathode construction and the battery working mechanism is discussed. The recent progress in the design of carbon‐based materials for air cathodes in rechargeable ZABs is summarized. Several possible future research directions and the expected development trends are also discussed, aiming to facilitate the commercialization of advanced rechargeable ZABs in our life.

Direct Magnetic Reinforcement of Electrocatalytic ORR/OER with Electromagnetic Induction of Magnetic Catalysts

“…[ 1–3 ] Unfortunately, despite decades of intensive research, the ZAB remain challenged by the sluggish kinetics of oxygen catalytic reactions on the air electrode. [ 4–6 ] The commercial ORR and OER catalysts mainly rely on the noble metals of Pt and Ru/Ir, but the scarcity and poor durability of these precious metal catalysts hinder the mass production and broadly applications of ZAB. [ 7–9 ] In contrast, the cost‐effective carbon and Earth‐abundant metal composites are considered as potential alternatives of these noble metals because their rich functionality and high specific surface areas can provide abundant catalytic active sites and meanwhile, they are stable enough to run both half‐reactions.…”

Flexible and Wearable Power Sources for Next‐Generation Wearable Electronics

“…According to these requirements, carbon-based materials (e. g., carbon particles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, carbon fiber, carbon paper, and carbon cloth), conductive polymers, metal and metal oxide sheets (or foils) have been used and investigated as the flexible substrates for electrodes. [49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59] Carbon-based materials are attractive owing to the relatively high electrical conductivity (10 4 S cm À 1 ), good mechanical property, environmental stability and low-cost. [49] Polymer-based materials are intrinsically flexible, which are capable of withstanding bending, folding, twisting, or other deformations.…”

Photo‐rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors: Critical roles of carbon‐based functional materials

“…Similar to solar cells, the carbon-based functional materials can also enhance the performance of rechargeable batteries and SCs. [48][49][50][51] As is well known, carbon black can greatly increase the conductivity of electrode materials (e.g., Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 , LiCoO 2 , and LiFePO 4 ), thus bringing enhanced charging/discharging features to batteries. Carbon coatings on the surface of electrode materials can also enhance the cyclic stability of the EES units in integrated devices.…”