In-situ photodeposition of CoSx on Pa0.5Ba0.5Mn0.25Fe0.75O3-δ perovskite to boost bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn-air batteries

Abstract

The single catalytic property with limited active sites severely restricts the development of perovskite materials as efficient oxygen electrocatalysts in rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs). Although some researches on structural optimization and surface decoration of perovskite materials have improved their electrocatalytic performance, the complicated preparation process, and harsh treatment conditions urge the apparent of a creative attempt towards perovskite. Herein, we develop a highly-dispersed amorphous CoSx modified Pa0.5Ba0.5Mn0.25Fe0.75O3-δ composites (CoSx/PBMF) by a rapid and mild photochemistry-deposition method. The structural merit and the synergistic effect of integrating amorphous CoSx and PBMF result in a perovskite material with outstanding electrocatalytic activity and superior durability. Moreover, the liquid rechargeable ZAB assembled with integrated CoSx/PBMF electrocatalyst as air electrode demonstrates a maximal power density of 114 mW cm−2 and a long charge-discharge cycling life over 220 h with initial cycle efficiency of 60.5% and 0.03 V incensement of voltage gap. Meanwhile, the all-solid-state CoSx/PBMF-based ZABs maintain an open-circuit voltage of 3.92 V in series of three ZABs and powered LED panels stably, demonstrating its practical utility as the battery for portable electron devices.