Metal‐Organic‐Framework‐Derived Co Nanoparticles Deposited on N‐Doped Bimodal Mesoporous Carbon Nanorods as Efficient Bifunctional Catalysts for Rechargeable Zinc−Air Batteries

Abstract

Abstract Electrically rechargeable zinc−air batteries (ZnABs) have received increasing attention as promising energy storage devices, owing to their high theoretical energy density and environmental friendliness. However, it remains a great challenge to develop highly efficient bifunctional catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we design and prepare a highly active bifunctional catalyst for ZnABs by using a cobalt metal‐organic framework (Co‐MOF) as the precursor. The catalyst has a desirable nanostructure composed of cobalt nanoparticles deposited on N‐doped bimodal mesoporous carbon nanorods (Co@N‐CNR). This hybrid structure exhibits a higher catalytic activity (a maximum power density of 63 mW cm −2 ) and cycling stability compared to commercial Pt/C+Ir/C integrated in ZnABs . The high catalytic performance could be attributed to the unique nanostructure composed of Co@N‐CNR, which incorporates the advantageous features of cobalt nanoparticles, mesoporous materials, and N‐CNR towards OER and ORR. The reported advancement provides a new and efficient strategy for the development of rechargeable ZnABs.