First-Row Transition Metals for Catalyzing Oxygen Redox

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries are widely recognized as a highly promising technology for energy conversion and storage, offering a cost-effective and viable alternative to commercial lithium-ion batteries due to their unique advantages. However, the practical application and commercialization of zinc-air batteries are hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Recently, extensive research has focused on the potential of first-row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) as promising alternatives to noble metals in bifunctional ORR/OER electrocatalysts, leveraging their high-efficiency electrocatalytic activity and excellent durability. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements in the mechanisms of ORR/OER, the performance of bifunctional electrocatalysts, and the preparation strategies employed for electrocatalysts based on first-row transition metals in alkaline media for zinc-air batteries. The paper concludes by proposing several challenges and highlighting emerging research trends for the future development of bifunctional electrocatalysts based on first-row transition metals.

Automated summary

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries are considered a promising technology for energy conversion and storage, offering a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, their practical application is hindered by slow reaction kinetics. Recent research has focused on using first-row transition metals as efficient and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in zinc-air batteries. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms, performance, and preparation strategies of these electrocatalysts in alkaline media and discusses future research trends.