ZIF-Mediated Anchoring of Co species on N-doped Carbon Nanorods as an Efficient Cathode Catalyst for Zn-Air Batteries

Developing efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst is essential for the practical application of Zn-air batteries (ZABs). In this contribution, we develop a novel zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-mediated strategy to anchor Co species on N-doped carbon nanorods for efficient ORR. Featuring ultrahigh N-doping (10.29 at.%), monodisperse Co nanocrystal decoration, and well-dispersed Co-N-x functionalization, the obtained Co-decorated N-doped carbon nanorods (Co@NCNR) exhibit a decent ORR performance comparable to commercial Pt/C in alkaline media. Aqueous ZABs have been assembled using Co@NCNR as the cathode catalyst. The assembled ZABs manifest high initial open-circuit voltage as well as high energy density. In addition, the Co@NCNR also demonstrates ideal ORR performance in quasi-solid-state ZABs.