Synthesis of N/Fe/S-Codoped Cathode Catalysts on Gasification Residue Carbon for Zinc–Air Batteries

Abstract

The gasification fine slag (GFS) contains a large amount of residual carbon (RC). The RC has a large specific surface area, a well-developed pore structure, and a wide pore size distribution. Therefore, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts can be prepared using the RC and can be applied in zinc−air batteries. In this work, ORR catalysts were prepared by using the RC as precursors with N/Fe/S codoping. The codoping effect between different heteroatoms was investigated by combining physicochemical and electrochemical characterization. The results demonstrate that the N/Fe/S-codoped catalyst CKN 6 FeS has a high onset potential and average electron transfer number. In alkaline conditions, CKN 6 FeS exhibits catalytic activity comparable to that of commercial Pt/C and shows better methanol tolerance than that of Pt/C. It shows good catalytic ability in zinc−air batteries with good cycling stability and durability, achieving high power density and specific capacity.