From 3D ZIF Nanocrystals to Co–N x /C Nanorod Array Electrocatalysts for ORR, OER, and Zn–Air Batteries

Abstract Designing a highly active electrocatalyst with optimal stability at low cost is must and non‐negotiable if large‐scale implementations of fuel cells are to be fully realized. Zeolitic‐imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) offer rich platforms to design multifunctional materials due to their flexibility and ultrahigh surface area. Herein, an advanced Co–N x /C nanorod array derived from 3D ZIF nanocrystals with superior electrocatalytic activity and stability toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) compared to commercial Pt/C and IrO 2 , respectively, is synthesized. Remarkably, as a bifunctional catalyst ( E j = 10 (OER) − E 1/2 (ORR) ≈ 0.65 V), it further displays high…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 51672204, 51372186
• WU
  Wuhan University of Technology
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China
• DO
  Division of Materials Research