Material design and surface chemistry for advanced rechargeable zinc–air batteries

Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) have been considered as a next-generation battery system with high energy density and abundant resources. However, the sluggish multi-step reaction of the oxygen is the main obstacle for the practical application of ZABs. Therefore, bifunctional electrocatalysts with high stability and activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are greatly required to promote the catalytic reaction. In this review, we first explain the reaction mechanism of the ZABs, mainly focusing on multiple oxygen intermediates. Then, the latest studies on bifunctional electrocatalysts for the air cathodes and their progress of the ZABs are discussed with following aspects: platinum group metal, metal-free, transition metal, and metal compound-derived electrocatalysts. Finally, we highlight the advanced ZAB systems with the design of the full-temperature range operation, the all-solid-state, and the newly reported non-alkaline electrolyte, summarizing the remaining challenges and requirements of the future research directions.

This work reviews latest research on the bifunctional electrocatalysts for air cathodes, introducing the advanced zinc–air batteries with the full-temperature range operation, all-solid-states, and newly reported non-alkaline electrolytes.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks Based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

In view of the clean and sustainable energy, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based materials, including pristine MOFs, MOF composites, and their derivatives are emerging as unique electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Thanks to their tunable compositions and diverse structures, efficient MOF-based materials provide new opportunities to accelerate the sluggish ORR at the cathode in fuel cells and metal–air batteries. This Minireview first provides some introduction of ORR and MOFs, followed by the classification of MOF-based electrocatalysts towards ORR. Recent breakthroughs in engineering MOF-based ORR electrocatalysts are highlighted with an emphasis on synthesis strategy, component, morphology, structure, electrocatalytic performance, and reaction mechanism. Finally, some current challenges and future perspectives for MOF-based ORR electrocatalysts are also discussed.     

Research Progress of Carbon-Encapsulated Iron-Based Nanoparticles Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries北大核心CSCD

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for a new generation of advanced energy conversion and storage devices,while the inferior activity and stability of air cathode electrocatalysts largely hinder the widespread application of ZABs. The extensive efforts for exploring and designing high active yet stable air cathode catalysts is,therefore,indispensable for the improvement of ZABs performance. Recently,carbon-encapsulated iron-based nanoparticles have been reported to exhibit excellent oxygen catalytic performance on account of their resistance to corrosion,oxidation,and aggregation under harsh conditions,and have been widely used as cathode materials for ZABs. As a result,we systematically summarize the applications of carbon-encapsulated transition metal iron-based materials as cathode catalysts for ZABs. In this review,the basic principle of ZABs and challenges faced by air cathode catalysts are firstly expounded. Then, the research progress of the carbon-encapsulated iron-based nanoparticles electrocatalysts (such as iron-based and its alloy,carbide,oxide and phosphide,et al.) are emphatically discussed and analyzed. Finally,the future development perspectives of carbon-encapsulated iron-based electrocatalysts in the applications of ZABs are put forward. © 2022, Science Press (China). All rights reserved.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks Based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

In view of the clean and sustainable energy, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based materials, including pristine MOFs, MOF composites, and their derivatives are emerging as unique electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Thanks to their tunable compositions and diverse structures, efficient MOF‐based materials provide new opportunities to accelerate the sluggish ORR at the cathode in fuel cells and metal–air batteries. This Minireview first provides some introduction of ORR and MOFs, followed by the classification of MOF‐based electrocatalysts towards ORR. Recent breakthroughs in engineering MOF‐based ORR electrocatalysts are highlighted with an emphasis on synthesis strategy, component, morphology, structure, electrocatalytic performance, and reaction mechanism. Finally, some current challenges and future perspectives for MOF‐based ORR electrocatalysts are also discussed.     

Recent advances in heterostructured cathodic electrocatalysts for non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries

Developing efficient energy storage and conversion applications is vital to address fossil energy depletion and global warming. Li–O₂ batteries are one of the most promising devices because of their ultra-high energy density. To overcome their practical difficulties including low specific capacities, high overpotentials, limited rate capability and poor cycle stability, an intensive search for highly efficient electrocatalysts has been performed. Recently, it has been reported that heterostructured catalysts exhibit significantly enhanced activities toward the oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, and their excellent performance is not only related to the catalyst materials themselves but also the special hetero-interfaces. Herein, an overview focused on the electrocatalytic functions of heterostructured catalysts for non-aqueous Li–O₂ batteries is presented by summarizing recent research progress. Reduction mechanisms of Li–O₂ batteries are first introduced, followed by a detailed discussion on the typical performance enhancement mechanisms of the heterostructured catalysts with different phases and heterointerfaces, and the various heterostructured catalysts applied in Li–O₂ batteries are also intensively discussed. Finally, the existing problems and development perspectives on the heterostructure applications are presented.

The structure–function relationships between heterostructures and their catalytic properties were discussed in detail, and the challenges and improvement strategies for heterostructure based cathodes towards Li–O₂ catalysis were also summarized.     

Cobalt Oxide-Based Electrocatalysts with Bifunctionality for High-Performing Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

In recent years, the rapid growth in renewable energy applications has created a significant demand for efficient energy storage solutions on a large scale. Among the various options, rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) have emerged as an appealing choice in green energy storage technology due to their higher energy density, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Regarding this fact, a spotlight is shaded on air electrode for constructing high-performance ZABs. Cobalt oxide-based electrocatalysts on the air electrode have gained significant attention due to their extraordinary features. Particularly, exploration and integration of bifunctional behavior for energy storage has remarkably promoted both ORR and OER to facilitate the overall performance of the battery. The plot of this review is forwarded towards in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in electrocatalysts that are based on cobalt oxide and possess bifunctional properties along with an introduction of the fundamental aspects of ZABs, Additionally, the topic entails an examination of the morphological variations and mechanistic details mentioning about the synthesis processes. Finally, a direction is provided for future research endeavors through addressing the challenges and prospects in the advancement of next-generation bifunctional electrocatalysts to empower high-performing ZABs with bifunctional cobalt oxide.     

Bifunctional air electrodes for flexible rechargeable Zn-air batteries

Flexible rechargeable Zn-air batteries are considered as one of the most promising battery systems to drive flexible and wearable electronic devices owing to their high safety,high gravimetric energy density,low self-discharge and low cost.One of the key challenges is to develop air electrodes with high performance and high mechanical flexibility.This minireview discusses the recent progress in the design and fabrication of flexible air electrodes.It focuses on the latest innovations in bifunctional oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts,mainly including carbon-based materials(e.g.,heteroatom-doped carbon,metal-nitrogen moieties doped carbon),metal oxides(e.g.,spinel oxides,perovskite oxides) and their composites.It aims to provide an insight into the structureproperty relationship of bifunctional catalysts.We also discuss the challenges and future perspectives.     

高效氧催化反应中的金属有机骨架材料（英文）

氧电催化反应包括氧气还原反应(ORR)和氧气析出反应(OER).作为核心电极反应,这两个反应对诸多能源存储与转换技术(比如燃料电池、金属空气电池以及全水分解制氢等)的能量效率起决定性作用.然而,ORR和OER涉及多个反应步骤、多个电子转移过程以及多相界面传质过程.这些复杂的过程较大程度上限制了ORR和OER的反应速率.从理论和实践两个方面来看,ORR和OER都需要高效电催化剂的参与来促进其反应速率,从而能够最终提高上述能源存储与转换技术的能量转换或利用效率.目前,以Pt,Pd,Ir,Ru为代表的贵金属基电催化剂具有十分突出的电催化性能.但是,过高的成本和过低的储量始终制约着贵金属基电催化剂在催化ORR和OER反应方面,乃至在能源存储与转换技术领域的规模化应用.因而,开发高效非贵金属基氧电催化剂成为近年来能源存储与转换领域的研究重点之一.在众多已经报道的非贵金属基氧电催化剂中,金属有机骨架材料(MOFs)备受瞩目.MOFs是一类由有机配体和金属节点通过配位键自组装而成的晶态多孔材料.它们具备超高比表面积、超高孔隙率以及规则性纳米孔道.相比较其他传统的多孔材料(比如活性炭、分子筛、介孔炭、介孔氧化硅等),MOFs最主要的优势在于它们的结构和功能可以依据需求通过选择合适的有机配体和金属节点进行便利地设计,或通过后处理进行必要的改性和调节.基于独特的多孔特性以及结构与功能的可设计、可调节性,MOFs在气体分离与存储、异相催化、化学传感、药物输送、环境保护以及能源存储与转化等领域都具有潜在的应用价值.因而,近年来,MOFs备受基础研究领域和工业界的青睐.针对MOFs开展的基础研究和应用开发逐渐成为诸多领域的研究焦点.也正由于MOFs具有的上述优异特性,尤其是结构与功能的可设计、可调节性,使得设计制备基于单纯MOFs以及MOFs衍生材料成为开发高效非贵金属基氧电催化剂的新途径.本综述首先论述了基于单纯MOFs的氧电催化剂(包括纯MOFs、活性物种修饰的MOFs以及与导电材料构成的复合MOFs)的合成以及它们在ORR或OER催化反应中应用的研究进展.在第二部分论述中,本综述主要针对MOFs衍生的各类氧电催化剂(包括无机微米-纳米结构/多孔碳复合材料、纯多孔碳材料、纯无机微米-纳米结构材料以及单原子型电催化材料)的研究进展进行了简要介绍和讨论.最后,本综述对MOFs基氧电催化剂目前存在的挑战进行了简要分析;同时,也对这类氧电催化剂的通用设计准则以及未来发展方向进行了展望.尽管存在诸多挑战,MOFs始终被认为是极好的"平台"材料.充分利用它们将有利于开发高效且实用的非贵金属基氧电催化剂.     

Metal-organic frameworks and their derivatives for Li-air batteries

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)are a class of outstanding materials in Li-air batteries because of their high surface areas,tailorable pore sizes and diverse catalytic centers.However,MOF-based batteries are facing challenges such as poor electronic conductivity and inferior long-cycle stability that limit their further development.This review first summarizes the progress of pristine MOFs and MOF-derived materials in Li-air batteries in the past 5 years,then provides a perspective for subsequent development of MOFs and their derivatives in this emerging field.     

Synergistic Fe−Se Atom Pairs as Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts Boost Low-Temperature Rechargeable Zn-Air Battery

Herein, we successfully construct bifunctional electrocatalysts by synthesizing atomically dispersed Fe−Se atom pairs supported on N-doped carbon (Fe−Se/NC). The obtained Fe−Se/NC shows a noteworthy bifunctional oxygen catalytic performance with a low potential difference of 0.698 V, far superior to that of reported Fe-based single-atom catalysts. The theoretical calculations reveal that p-d orbital hybridization around the Fe−Se atom pairs leads to remarkably asymmetrical polarized charge distributions. Fe−Se/NC based solid-state rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs−Fe−Se/NC) present stable charge/discharge of 200 h (1090 cycles) at 20 mA cm⁻² at 25 °C, which is 6.9 times of ZABs−Pt/C+Ir/C. At extremely low temperature of −40 °C, ZABs−Fe−Se/NC displays an ultra-robust cycling performance of 741 h (4041 cycles) at 1 mA cm⁻², which is about 11.7 times of ZABs−Pt/C+Ir/C. More importantly, ZABs−Fe−Se/NC could be operated for 133 h (725 cycles) even at 5 mA cm⁻² at −40 °C.     

Metal-organic framework based nanomaterials for electrocatalytic oxygen redox reaction

Due to the severe environmental issues, many advanced technologies, typically fuel cells and metal-air batteries have aroused widespread concerns and been intensively studied in recent years. However, oxygen redox reactions including oxygen evolution reaction(OER) and oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) as the core reactions suffer from sluggish kinetics of the multiple electron transfer process. Currently, Pt, RuO_2, and IrO_2 are considered to be the benchmark catalysts for ORR and OER, but their high price, scarcity and instability hinder them from large-scale application. To overcome these limits, exploring alternative electrocatalysts with low cost, high activity, long-term stability, and earth-abundance is of extreme urgency. Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) are a family of inorganic-organic hybrid materials with high surface areas and tunable structures, making them proper as catalyst candidates. Herein, the recent progress of MOFs and MOF-derived materials for ORR and OER is systematically reviewed, and the relationship between compositions and electrochemical performance is discussed. It is expected that this review can be helpful for the future development of related MOF-based materials with excellent electrochemical performance.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalytic Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide

The electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has become more and more important in industrial production, daily life, biological process, green energy chemistry, and other fields (especially for the detection of low concentration of H₂O_2). Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates to replace the established H₂O₂ sensors based on precious metals or enzymes. This review summarizes recent advances in MOF-based H₂O₂ electrochemical sensors, including conductive MOFs, MOFs with chemical modifications, MOFs-composites, and MOF derivatives. Finally, the challenges and prospects for the optimization and design of H₂O₂ electrochemical sensors with ultra-low detection limit and long-life are presented.     

High Performance Bifunctional Electrocatalysts Designed Based on Transition-Metal Sulfides for Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries

Due to the energy crisis by the excessive consumption of fossil fuels, Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) with high theoretical energy density have attracted people‘s attention. The overall performance of ZABs is largely determined by the air cathode catalyst. Therefore, it is necessary to develop high-efficiency and low-cost bifunctional catalysts to replace noble metal catalysts to promote the development of ZABs. Among a variety of cathode catalysts, TMS has become a research hotspot in recent years because of its better electrical conductivity than metal phosphides and metal oxides. In this work, we focus on the means of improving the electrocatalytic performance of transition-metal sulfides (TMS) providing ideas for us to rationally design high-performance catalysts. Furthermore, the performance improvement law between catalyst performance and ZABs is also discussed in this work. Finally, some challenges and opportunities faced in the research of TMS electrocatalysis are briefly proposed, and strategies for improving the performance of ZABs are prospected.     

Integrating NiCo Alloys with Their Oxides as Efficient Bifunctional Cathode Catalysts for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries

The lack of high‐efficient, low‐cost, and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts that act simultaneously for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is currently one of the major obstacles to commercializing the electrical rechargeability of zinc–air batteries. A nanocomposite CoO‐NiO‐NiCo bifunctional electrocatalyst supported by nitrogen‐doped multiwall carbon nanotubes (NCNT/CoO‐NiO‐NiCo) exhibits excellent activity and stability for the ORR/OER in alkaline media. More importantly, real air cathodes made from the bifunctional NCNT/CoO‐NiO‐NiCo catalysts further demonstrated superior performance to state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C or Pt/C+IrO₂ catalysts in primary and rechargeable zinc–air batteries.     

The Surge of Metal–Organic-Framework (MOFs)-Based Electrodes as Key Elements in Electrochemically Driven Processes for the Environment

Metal–organic-frameworks (MOFs) are emerging materials used in the environmental electrochemistry community for Faradaic and non-Faradaic water remediation technologies. It has been concluded that MOF-based materials show improvement in performance compared to traditional (non-)faradaic materials. In particular, this review outlines MOF synthesis and their application in the fields of electron- and photoelectron-Fenton degradation reactions, photoelectrocatalytic degradations, and capacitive deionization physical separations. This work overviews the main electrode materials used for the different environmental remediation processes, discusses the main performance enhancements achieved via the utilization of MOFs compared to traditional materials, and provides perspective and insights for the further development of the utilization of MOF-derived materials in electrified water treatment.     

Applications of metal-organic framework composites in CO_2 capture and conversion

Reliable technologies for CO_2 capture and conversion(C3) are of vital importance for the establishment of a sustainable society.Metal-organic framework(MOF) composites have shown their compelling potentials for C3 due to the plentiful reticular chemistry of MOF structures and the synergistic catalysis between MOFs and the functional guests.This review focuses on the syntheses and catalytic applications towards C3 of MOF composites,which is divided into three sections.The first section gives a brief introduction about synthetic strategies of MOF composites.The second section discusses the recent progress of MOF composites in C3,including CO_2 chemical fixation,hydrogenation,photoreduction,electro reduction and photoelectro reduction.The third section summarizes the challenges and future prospects of MOF composites for C3.We hope that this review cannot only provide an inspiration for the rational design of MOF composites for C3,but also stimulate more and more research works in this emerging area.     

Advanced Bifunctional Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Electrocatalyst Derived from Surface‐Mounted Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives are considered as promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which are important for many energy provision technologies, such as electrolyzers, fuel cells and some types of advanced batteries. In this work, a “strain modulation” approach has been applied through the use of surface‐mounted NiFe‐MOFs in order to design an advanced bifunctional ORR/OER electrocatalyst. The material exhibits an excellent OER activity in alkaline media, reaching an industrially relevant current density of 200 mA cm^?2 at an overpotential of only ≈210 mV. It demonstrates operational long‐term stability even at a high current density of 500 mA cm^?2 and exhibits the so far narrowest “overpotential window” ΔE_ORR‐OER of 0.69 V in 0.1 m KOH with a mass loading being two orders of magnitude lower than that of benchmark electrocatalysts.     

基于金属有机框架化合物纳米电催化剂的研究进展

金属有机框架化合物具有比表面积大、孔隙率高、结构有序可控等特点,近年来作为电催化材料在电化学能源储存和转化应用中备受关注。本文从金属有机框架化合物作为前驱体制备电催化剂的独特优点入手,总结了目前该类材料在电催化领域的最新研究进展,并对其今后的发展趋势以及面临的机遇和挑战进行了简单的展望。     

金属有机骨架及其衍生材料在电解水和锌-空气电池中的应用

电解水和锌-空气电池(ZABs)技术为解决能源危机、实现碳中和目标开辟了一条新的途径。然而,这些技术的实际应用在很大程度上受到析氢反应(HER)、析氧反应(OER)以及氧还原反应(ORR)缓慢动力学的限制。因此,迫切需要开发高效、稳定的电催化剂有效降低反应过电位,加快电催化反应进程。金属有机骨架(MOFs)由于其灵活可调的组成和精确可控的结构,已成为催化领域研究最广泛的材料之一。本文聚焦于MOFs基电催化剂的制备策略和结构特性,主要介绍它们在电解水和ZABs方面近期的研究进展,并对该领域存在的问题和发展趋势进行了总结和展望。     

金属有机骨架及其衍生材料在电解水和锌-空气电池中的应用

电解水和锌-空气电池(ZABs)技术为解决能源危机、实现碳中和目标开辟了一条新的途径。然而,这些技术的实际应用在很大程度上受到析氢反应(HER)、析氧反应(OER)以及氧还原反应(ORR)缓慢动力学的限制。因此,迫切需要开发高效、稳定的电催化剂有效降低反应过电位,加快电催化反应进程。金属有机骨架(MOFs)由于其灵活可调的组成和精确可控的结构,已成为催化领域研究最广泛的材料之一。本文聚焦于MOFs基电催化剂的制备策略和结构特性,主要介绍它们在电解水和ZABs方面近期的研究进展,并对该领域存在的问题和发展趋势进行了总结和展望。