Abstract
Hybrids of Mn3O4 nanoparticles and hollow carbon spheres prepared from templated pyrolysis of polydopamine were assembled via a straightforward sonication procedure. The resulting hybrids exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in prototype Zn–air batteries. Impressively, these catalysts exhibit higher discharge potential and exceptional stability when compared to commercial Pt–Ru catalysts while simultaneously showing comparable onset potential and maximum current density.
Highlights
Society's seemingly insatiable demand for energy and the associated environmental impact of fossil fuel use have led to calls for a global transition to renewable energy sources that include wind and solar power.[1]
The SiO2 core was removed via alcoholic hydro uoric acid (HF) etching to yield the hollow mesoporous carbon (HMC) on/in which, Mn3O4 NPs were deposited.[21]
A er addition of Mn(CH3CO2)[2] and NaOH followed by 5 h of sonication, the morphology of the HMCs remained intact (Fig. 2C)
Summary
Society's seemingly insatiable demand for energy and the associated environmental impact of fossil fuel use have led to calls for a global transition to renewable energy sources that include wind and solar power.[1]. The hybrid material was synthesized according to a modi ed literature procedure.[21] The puri ed HMCs (50 mg) were dispersed in anhydrous ethanol (10.0 mL) and magnetically stirred for 10 min at 500 rpm.
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