V₂O₃/MnS Arrays as Bifunctional Air Electrode for Long‐Lasting and Flexible Rechargeable Zn‐Air Batteries

Abstract

Abstract Exploring highly efficient, stable, and cost‐effective bifunctional electrocatalysts is crucial for the wide commercialization of rechargeable Zn–air batteries. Herein, a vanadium‐oxide‐based hybrid air electrode comprising a heterostructure of V 2 O 3 and MnS (V 2 O 3 /MnS) is reported. The V 2 O 3 /MnS catalyst shows a decent catalytic activity that is comparable to Pt/C toward the oxygen reduction reaction and acceptable toward oxygen evolution. The extraordinary stability as well as the low cost set the V 2 O 3 /MnS among the best bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. In a demonstration of an assembled liquid‐state Zn–air battery using V 2 O 3 /MnS as cathode, high power density (118 mW cm −2 ), specific capacity (808 mAh g Zn −1 ), and energy density (970 Wh kg Zn −1 ), as well as the outstanding rechargeability and durability for 4000 cycles (>1333 h, i.e., >55 days) are enabled. The V 2 O 3 /MnS is also integrated into an all‐solid‐state Zn‐air battery to demonstrate its great potential as a flexible power source for next‐generation electronics. Density functional theory calculations further elucidate the origin of the intrinsic activity and stability of the V 2 O 3 /MnS heterostructure.