Transition metal/carbon hybrids for oxygen electrocatalysis in rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) could be an ideal candidate for challenging energy conversion and storage technology. Usually, the crucial oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction are naturally lethargic and require efficient catalysts to kinetically boost the energy conversion processes to achieve the practicable ZABs application. Transition-metal/carbon hybrid catalysts show excellent potentials in electrocatalysis, and they have been developed into cost-effective and scalable oxygen electrocatalyst alternatives for expensive and scarcer noble metal ones in rechargeable ZABs. Herein we summarize recent achievements in transition metal/carbon hybrids for oxygen electrocatalysis. These catalysts mainly fall into two categories by the integrated metal/metal oxides nanoparticles and atomically dispersed transition metal/carbon matrix. We focus on the relationship between structure and performance with their synthesis strategies. Their application in rechargeable ZABs are also comprehensively discussed. Finally, the perspectives on transition metal/carbon hybrids for oxygen electrocatalysis are presented for the future challenges in rechargeable ZABs.

Automated summary

Transition metal/carbon hybrid catalysts have shown great potential in oxygen electrocatalysis, divided into two categories of integrated metal/metal oxides nanoparticles and atomically dispersed transition metal/carbon matrix. The research focuses on the relationship between structure and performance, as well as their synthesis strategies, and comprehensively discusses their application in rechargeable ZABs.