Co Nanoislands Rooted on Co–N–C Nanosheets as Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalyst for Zn–Air Batteries

Abstract Developing non‐precious‐metal bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution reaction (ORR/OER) catalysts is a major task for promoting the reaction efficiency of Zn–air batteries. Co‐based catalysts have been regarded as promising ORR and OER catalysts owing to the multivalence characteristic of cobalt element. Herein, the synthesis of Co nanoislands rooted on Co–N–C nanosheets supported by carbon felts (Co/Co–N–C) is reported. Co nanosheets rooted on the carbon felt derived from electrodeposition are applied as the self‐template and cobalt source. The synergistic effect of metal Co islands with OER activity and Co–N–C nanosheets with superior ORR performance leads to good bifuctional catalytic…

• HP
  Heilongjiang Provincial Postdoctoral Science Foundation

  Award: LBH‐Q16194
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint Fund

  Awards: 51572139, 21631004, 21571054, 21771059
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Award: 2016YFA0203101