Recent Progress on Transition Metal Oxides as Bifunctional Catalysts for Lithium‐Air and Zinc‐Air Batteries

Abstract

In recent years, rechargeable Li-air and Zn-air batteries have attracted wide attention due to their high theoretical specific energy densities. However, the high cost and poor stability of noble metal catalysts for the oxygen redox reactions limit their practical large-scale application. On contrast, low-cost transition metal oxide (TMO)-based composite materials exhibit considerable bifunctional activity for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution, and excellent stability, which holds great potential over the precious metal-based catalysts. This work briefly introduces the recent advances in TMO-based composites as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for Li-air and Zn-air batteries. After a brief introduction into the research field of air batteries, metal oxides (including Co-and Mn-based oxides) and polymetallic oxides (mainly spinel and perovskite types) are reviewed. In consideration of the poor electronic conductivity of metal oxide catalysts, composites including additional conductive materials are also introduced. Finally, challenges and perspectives of bifunctional TMOs are emphasized to stimulate innovations for the future development of practical Li-air and Zn-air batteries.[a] Dr.

2D Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes/Graphene Hybrid as Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst for Long‐Life Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries

“…Metal–air batteries such as zinc (Zn)–air batteries demonstrate the promising potential due to many advantages including high safety and high theoretical energy density . Zn–air battery generates electrical energy through the redox reaction of metal at anode and oxygen at the cathode . However, their large‐scale applications are hindered by low power density and poor stability, caused by sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for the discharging and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for the charging process .…”

CuCo2S4 Nanosheets@N‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers by Sulfurization at Room Temperature as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts in Flexible Quasi‐Solid‐State Zn–Air Batteries

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] In principle, the advancement of flexible ZABs is critically dependent on the availability of desired air electrodes with excellent bifunctional electrocatalysis for both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), together with robust flexibility and mechanical strength. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] In principle, the advancement of flexible ZABs is critically dependent on the availability of desired air electrodes with excellent bifunctional electrocatalysis for both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), together with robust flexibility and mechanical strength.…”

Porous Carbon Networks Decorated with Cobalt on CoFe2O4 as an Air‐Breathing Electrode for High‐Capacity Rechargeable Lithium‐Air Batteries: Role of Metallic Cobalt Nanoparticles

“…Further, the galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD) cycling performances of the full cell Li‐air split cell was examined in oxygen atmosphere in the operating potential window of 2–4.5 V. Generally, researchers prefer to use the active mass of catalyst or carbon for calculation of the discharge capacity . Figure d displays the charge‐discharge profiles recorded at different current densities.…”

“…In this regard, researches are focused on developing bi‐functional electrocatalysts with high electrocatalytic activity, long‐term durability and affordability. Platinum‐based metal alloys are examined as electrocatalysts towards the ORR and the OER . However, the commercialization of such electrocatalysts is not feasible due to their high cost and limited supply.…”