CoS2 strongly coupled with porous FeNC as efficient and stable electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Developing affordable and high-efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for the promotion of clean energy conversion systems (like rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs)) is of great significance. Herein, a hybrid material consisting of CoS2 strongly coupled to the iron-nitrogen-doped carbon (FeNC) (FeNC-CoS2) is developed as a formidable bifunctional oxygen toxy electrocatalysts. The FeNC-CoS2 catalyst displays good electron and mass transfer capabilities, exposing a great deal of ORR/OER active sites. Hence, it exhibits superior catalytic activity and durability (E-1/2 = 0.848 V) and OER (E-j = 10 mA cm(-2) = 1.608 V). Further, assembled rechargeable zinc-air battery displays remarkable discharge peak power density similar to 117.6 mW cm(-2) and a high capacity of 581.3 mAh gZn(-1), as well as excellent reversibility and stability. This study provides a good guidance and reference for the design and preparation of affordable excellent-performance bifunctional catalysts in the future. (c) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Automated summary

In this study, a hybrid material FeNC-CoS2 was developed as a bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst, displaying excellent catalytic activity and durability. The assembled rechargeable zinc-air battery using this catalyst showed remarkable performance, indicating potential for future applications in clean energy conversion systems.