FeS2/CoS2 nanoparticles supported on N, S co-doped carbon nanotubes as advanced bifunctional electrocatalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Abstract

Designing a highly active and durable bifunctional catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of crucial importance to the commercial development of zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a facile strategy is employed to synthesize FeS2/CoS2 nanoparticles anchored on N, S co-doped carbon nanotubes (NSCNTs). The obtained FeS2/CoS2/NSCNTs displays superior bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for both ORR and OER in an alkaline electrolyte, with a relative low potential difference value of only 0.66 V. Importantly, FeS2/CoS2/NSCNTs based solid-state ZAB endows a high specific capacity of 786.9 mAh g−1 at the current density of 10 mA cm−2, outstanding long-term charge-discharge stability over 70 h, as well as excellent flexibility. This research provides a new pathway for the construction of robust and low-cost bifunctional catalysts for ZABs.