Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Researchers Develop Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

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Researchers at Jishou University in China have developed a novel 3D N-doped double-walled hollow carbon spheres/nanotube CoNi alloy hybrid (CoNi-NC/DLHCs) that exhibits efficient bifunctional catalytic performance for rechargeable zinc-air batteries. The study, published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, presents a promising solution to the pressing need for non-precious metal catalysts with high activity and stability. By leveraging the optimized Sto ber method combined with the epitaxial attachment MOF strategy, the researchers achieved a remarkable enhancement in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, demonstrating a significant step forward in the development of sustainable energy storage technologies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers designed a 3D N-doped double-walled hollow carbon spheres/nanotube CoNi alloy hybrid (CoNi-NC/DLHCs) using the optimized Sto ber method combined with the epitaxial attachment MOF strategy.
  • The CoNi-NC/DLHCs catalyst exhibited efficient bifunctional catalytic performance, achieving a higher half-wave potential of 0.85 V and Tafel slope of 88 mV dec-1 for ORR, as well as satisfied OER activity with Tafel slope of 92 mV dec-1 and overpotential at 10 mA cm-2 of 275 mV.
  • The researchers demonstrated the application of CoNi-NC/DLHCs in a liquid zinc-air battery, achieving a satisfying open circuit potential (OCP) of 1.51 V, a maximum peak power density of 183.4 mW cm-2, and a cycle endurance stability of more than 700 h.
  • The study highlights potential prospects in designing oxygen electrocatalysts for the metal-air battery field, emphasizing the need for efficient and stable catalysts.
  • The research team consisted of Xiangsi Wu, Xuemei Meng, Huan Long, Xiaohui Zhou, Wu Xia, Xianwen Wu, Yunlong Liu, and Xianming Wu from Jishou University.

Statistics:

  • 3D open architecture of CoNi-NC/DLHCs achieved effectively utilized active site with accelerated intermediate transport and a large specific surface area (SBET) of 1033 m2 g-1.
  • The CoNi-NC/DLHCs catalyst demonstrated a higher half-wave potential of 0.85 V and Tafel slope of 88 mV dec-1 for ORR, outperforming existing catalysts.
  • The liquid zinc-air battery equipped with CoNi-NC/DLHCs achieved a maximum peak power density of 183.4 mW cm-2 and a cycle endurance stability of more than 700 h.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data on Nanotubes Reported by Researchers at Jishou University (In-situ Growth of Coni Bimetal On Double-walled Hollow Carbon Spheres/ Nanotube Hybrid for Boosting Rechargeable Zn-air Battery). Nanotechnology Weekly. June 30, 2025; p 480.
  • Journal of Alloys and Compounds. In-situ Growth of Coni Bimetal On Double-walled Hollow Carbon Spheres/ Nanotube Hybrid for Boosting Rechargeable Zn-air Battery. 2025; 1033.