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Framework‐Porphyrin‐Derived Single‐Atom Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts and their Applications in Zn–Air Batteries
Author(s) -
Li BoQuan,
Zhao ChangXin,
Chen Shuangming,
Liu JiaNing,
Chen Xiao,
Song Li,
Zhang Qiang
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201900592
Subject(s) - bifunctional , electrocatalyst , materials science , oxygen evolution , electrochemistry , nanotechnology , cobalt , graphene , transition metal , fabrication , chemical engineering , electrode , catalysis , chemistry , metallurgy , organic chemistry , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , engineering
Abstract High‐performance bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis constitutes the key technique for the widespread application of clean and sustainable energy through electrochemical devices such as rechargeable Zn–air batteries. Single‐atom electrocatalysts with maximum atom efficiency are highly considered as an alternative of the present noble‐metal‐based electrocatalysts. However, the fabrication of transition metal single‐atoms is very challenging, requiring extensive attempts of precursors with novel design principles. Herein, an all‐covalently constructed cobalt‐coordinated framework porphyrin with graphene hybridization is innovatively designed and prepared as the pyrolysis precursor to fabricate single‐atom Co–N x –C electrocatalysts. Excellent electrochemical performances are realized for both bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis and rechargeable Zn–air batteries with regard to reduced overpotentials, improved kinetics, and prolonged cycling stability comparable with noble‐metal‐based electrocatalysts. Design principles from multiple scales are proposed and rationalized with detailed mechanism investigation. This work not only provides a novel precursor for the fabrication of high‐performance single‐atom electrocatalysts, but also inspires further attempts to develop advanced materials and emerging applications.