Self-catalyzed growth of Zn/Co-N-C carbon nanotubes derived from metal-organic frameworks as efficient oxygen reduction catalysts for Zn-air battery

Designing cost-effective and high-performance carbon-based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is crucial in the development of Zn-air batteries (ZABs). In this study, a facile one-pot synthesis approach engineered to construct Zn/Co-N-C carbonaceous polyhedrons interconnected with self-catalyzed-grown carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from zeolitic imidazolium frameworks linked graphene oxide nanosheets. The special N-doped three-dimensional (3D) matrix allows manipulating exposure active sites synergistic interaction between metal nanoparticles CNTs. as-synthesized catalyst features impressive ORR activity 0.1 mol L−1 KOH (E1/2 = 0.83 V) 0.5 H2SO4 0.73 V), satisfactory cycling stability methanol resistance comparable those benchmark Pt/C 0.80 V KOH, E1/2 0.75 H2SO4). Furthermore, as-established ZAB demonstrates competitive peak power density (90 mW cm−2) prominent long-term stability, which are better than devices based on commercial (82 cm−2). This work provides promising guidance for fabricating highly effective catalysts situ formed CNTs, can be applied portable ZAB-related devices.