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From 3D ZIF Nanocrystals to Co–N x /C Nanorod Array Electrocatalysts for ORR, OER, and Zn–Air Batteries
Author(s) -
Amiinu Ibrahim Saana,
Liu Xiaobo,
Pu Zonghua,
Li Wenqiang,
Li Qidong,
Zhang Jie,
Tang Haolin,
Zhang Haining,
Mu Shichun
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201704638
Subject(s) - nanorod , electrocatalyst , oxygen evolution , materials science , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , zeolitic imidazolate framework , bifunctional , nanocrystal , electrochemistry , catalysis , nanotechnology , imidazolate , chemical engineering , oxygen reduction reaction , electrode , metal organic framework , chemistry , organic chemistry , adsorption , engineering
Abstract Designing a highly active electrocatalyst with optimal stability at low cost is must and non‐negotiable if large‐scale implementations of fuel cells are to be fully realized. Zeolitic‐imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) offer rich platforms to design multifunctional materials due to their flexibility and ultrahigh surface area. Herein, an advanced Co–N x /C nanorod array derived from 3D ZIF nanocrystals with superior electrocatalytic activity and stability toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) compared to commercial Pt/C and IrO 2 , respectively, is synthesized. Remarkably, as a bifunctional catalyst ( E j = 10 (OER) − E 1/2 (ORR) ≈ 0.65 V), it further displays high performance of Zn–air batteries with high cycling stability even at a high current density. Such supercatalytic properties are largely attributed to the synergistic effect of the chemical composition, high surface area, and abundant active sites of the nanorods. The activity origin is clarified through post oxygen reduction X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and density functional theory studies. Undoubtedly, this approach opens a new avenue to strategically design highly active and performance‐oriented electrocatalytic materials for wider electrochemical energy applications.