Graphene-Encapsulated Bifunctional Catalysts with High Activity and Durability for Zn–Air Battery

Carbon-based electrocatalysts with both high activity and high stability are desirable for use in Zn–air batteries. However, the carbon corrosion reaction (CCR) is a critical obstacle in rechargeable Zn–air batteries. In this study, a cost-effective carbon-based novel material is reported with a high catalytic effect and good durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), prepared via a simple graphitization process. In situ growth of graphene is utilized in a 3D-metal-coordinated hydrogel by introducing a catalytic lattice of transition metal alloys. Due to the direct growth of few-layer graphene on the metal alloy decorated 3d-carbon network, greatly reduced CCR is observed in a repetitive OER test. As a result, an efficient bifunctional electrocatalytic performance is achieved with a low ΔE value of 0.63 V and good electrochemical durability for 83 h at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² in an alkaline media. Moreover, graphene-encapsulated transition metal alloys on the nitrogen-doped carbon supporter exhibit an excellent catalytic effect and good durability in a Zn–air battery system. This study suggests a straightforward way to overcome the CCR of carbon-based materials for an electrochemical catalyst with wide application in energy conversion and energy storage devices.