It is crucial for metal–air batteries and fuel
cells to
design non-precious-metal catalysts instead of platinum-based materials
to boost the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, Co3ZnC/Co nanoparticles with heterojunctions supported on N-doped
porous carbon and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are fabricated by pyrolyzing
the hydrogel prepared from melamine and citric acid chelated with
Co2+/Zn2+ ions. This hybrid shows strong ORR
catalytic activity as its half-wave potential reaches 0.88 V (vs reversible
hydrogen electrode (RHE)) in 0.1 M KOH and Zn–air batteries
with the catalyst have higher discharge plateaus and capacity than
those employing Pt/C. The hybrid mixed with RuO2 can also
be used as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for rechargeable Zn–air
batteries. The excellent performance is primarily derived from the
Co3ZnC/Co heterojunctions, the electron transfer of which
boosts the ORR catalysis. Moreover, the suitable ratio of Co/Zn in
precursors results in the epitaxial growth of hollow CNTs and abundant
mesopores, hence promoting the adsorption of oxygen and the transport
of ORR-related species.