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Research Article

Yolk–shell FeCu/NC electrocatalyst boosting high-performance zinc-air battery

Chen Liang1, Tianyu Zhang1, Shilun Sun1, Aijuan Han1, Zenghui Qiu2,3( ), Haijun Xu2,3( ), Junfeng Liu1( )
State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
College of Mathematics & Physics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
Beijing Bioprocess Key Laboratory, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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Graphical Abstract

By combining the advantages of Fe single-atom/Cu cluster complex sites with the yolk–shell structure, the yolk–shell FeCu/NC demonstrates exceptionally high half-wave potential and outstanding zinc-air battery performance.

Abstract

Iron–nitrogen–carbon single-atom catalysts (Fe–N–C SACs) are widely acknowledged for their effective oxygen reduction activity, however, their activity requires further enhancement. Meanwhile, additional structural optimization is necessary to enhance mass transport and achieve higher power density in practical applications. Herein, using ZIF-8 as a template, we synthesized yolk–shell catalysts featuring complex sites of Fe single atoms and Cu nanoclusters (y-FeCu/NC) via partial etching and liquid-phase loading. The synthesized y-FeCu/NC catalyst exhibits high specific surface area and mesoporous volume. Combined with the advantages of highly active sites and yolk–shell structure, the y-FeCu/NC catalyst demonstrated outstanding catalytic performance in the oxygen reduction reaction, achieving a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.97 V in 0.1 M KOH. As a practical energy device, Zn-air battery (ZAB) assembled with y-FeCu/NC catalyst achieved a remarkable power density of 356.3 mW·cm–2, representing an improvement of approximately 28.5% compared to its solid FeCu/NC counterpart. Furthermore, it showcased impressive stability, surpassing all control samples.

Keywords

atomic Fe-N4 sitesCu nanoclustersyolk–shell structureoxygen reduction reactionzinc-air battery

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Nano Research
Volume 17 Issue 9,
September 2024
Pages 7918-7925
DOI: 10.1007/s12274-024-6766-3
Cite this article:
Liang C, Zhang T, Sun S, et al. Yolk–shell FeCu/NC electrocatalyst boosting high-performance zinc-air battery. Nano Research, 2024, 17(9): 7918-7925. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-024-6766-3
Topics:
Oxygen reduction reaction

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Received: 28 April 2024
Revised: 11 May 2024
Accepted: 14 May 2024
Published: 01 July 2024
© Tsinghua University Press 2024
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