Facile synthesis of a MOF-derived Co-N-C nanostructure as a bi-functional oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn-air batteries

A novel catalyst obtained from the pyrolysis of a Co/Fe/Zn zeolitic imidazolite framework was prepared as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst. The Co-N-C-900 catalyst displays promising ORR and OER activity with E-1/2 = 0.854 V and E-j=10 = 1.780 V. The rechargeable Zn-air battery equipped with a Co-N-C-900 cathode electrocatalyst illustrates a high peak power density of 275 mW cm(-2), which is much superior than that of commercial 20% Pt/C. Significantly, the designed Zn-air battery with the Co-N-C-900 catalyst presents good cycling stability for 180 h in the rechargeable Zn-air battery.

Automated summary

A novel catalyst derived from the pyrolysis of a Co/Fe/Zn zeolitic imidazolite framework shows promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. The Co-N-C-900 catalyst exhibits E-1/2 = 0.854 V and E-j=10 = 1.780 V. A rechargeable Zn-air battery equipped with the Co-N-C-900 cathode catalyst demonstrates a high peak power density of 275 mW cm(-2), outperforming commercial 20% Pt/C. Importantly, the designed Zn-air battery with the Co-N-C-900 catalyst exhibits good cycling stability for 180 h.