Controllable synthesis of Co/MnO heterointerfaces embedded in graphitic carbon for rechargeable Zn-air battery

Owing to the unique geometric and electronic structure, design and synthesis of electrocatalysts with well defined heterointerfaces are essential for clean energy technologies, for instance water-splitting and Zn-air batteries. Herein, a bifunctional electrocatalyst assembled by Co/MnO nanoparticles and nitrogen doping double-sphere carbon (denoted as Co/MnO@N-DSC), was fabricated via a solvothermal and pyrolysis strategy. The Co/ MnO@N-DSC catalysts exhibit an enhanced bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic performance for Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) (E1/2, 0.84 V vs. RHE) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) (Eonset, 1.54 V vs. RHE). As an air cathode catalyst, the Co/MnO@N-DSC-based Zn-air battery can afford prime performance, over the commercial noble-metal-based Znair battery. Theoretical calculation results indicate that the synergism of Co (111)/MnO (200) heterointerfaces can enhance charge transfer and provide extra electrons for the reaction processes. This work provides a promising manoeuvre to uplift bifunctional catalytic activity by increasing the synergy from heterointerfaces of transition-metal/metal oxide in oxygen electrocatalysis.& COPY; 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.