Self-catalyzed growth of Co, N-codoped CNTs on carbon-encased CoSx surface: a noble-metal-free bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for flexible solid Zn–air batteries

摘要: The self-catalyzed growth of nanostructures on material surfaces is one the most time- and cost-effective ways to design multifunctional catalysts for a wide range applications. Herein, use this technique develop multicomponent composite catalyst with CoS core encapsulated in an ultrathin porous carbon shell entangled Co, N-codoped nanotubes reported. as-prepared has superior catalytic activity oxygen evolution reduction reactions, ultralow potential gap 0.74 V, outstanding durability, surpassing previous reports. Such superiority ascribed, part, unique 3D electrode architecture composite, which favorable transporting species electrons creates synergy between components different functionalities. Moreover, flexible solid Zn–air battery assembled such air shows steady discharge voltage plateau 1.25 V round-trip efficiency 70% at 1 mA cm. This work presents simple strategy highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts may pave way practical application these materials many energy conversion/storage devices.