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Highly Active and Durable Nanocrystal‐Decorated Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Author(s) -
Lee Dong Un,
Park Moon Gyu,
Park Hey Woong,
Seo Min Ho,
Wang Xiaolei,
Chen Zhongwei
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201500609
Subject(s) - electrocatalyst , bifunctional , materials science , catalysis , battery (electricity) , electrochemistry , nanocrystal , zinc , oxygen evolution , chemical engineering , carbon nanotube , cobalt , nanotechnology , cobalt oxide , bifunctional catalyst , electrode , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , metallurgy , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
A highly active and durable bifunctional electrocatalyst that consists of cobalt oxide nanocrystals (Co 3 O 4 NC) decorated on the surface of N‐doped carbon nanotubes (N‐CNT) is introduced as effective electrode material for electrically rechargeable zinc–air batteries. This active hybrid catalyst is synthesized by a facile surfactant‐assisted method to produce Co 3 O 4 NC that are then decorated on the surface of N‐CNT through hydrophobic attraction. Confirmed by half‐cell testing, Co 3 O 4 NC/N‐CNT demonstrates superior oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution catalytic activities and has a superior electrochemical stability compared to Pt/C and Ir/C. Furthermore, rechargeable zinc–air battery testing of Co 3 O 4 NC/N‐CNT reveals superior galvanodynamic charge and discharge voltages with a significantly extended cycle life of over 100 h, which suggests its potential as a replacement for precious‐metal‐based catalysts for electric vehicles and grid energy storage applications.