Mn3O4 nanoparticle-decorated hollow mesoporous carbon spheres as an efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in Zn-air batteries

Hybrids of Mn3O4 nanoparticles and hollow carbon spheres prepared from templated pyrolysis of polydopamine were assembled via a straightforward sonication procedure. The resulting hybrids exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in prototype Zn-air batteries. Impressively, these catalysts exhibit higher discharge potential and exceptional stability when compared to commercial Pt-Ru catalysts while simultaneously showing comparable onset potential and maximum current density.