Efficient Electrode Research Articles

Investigation of Direct Electron Transfer of Glucose Oxidase on a Graphene-CNT Composite Surface: A Molecular Dynamics Study Based on Electrochemical Experiments.

Graphene and its variants exhibit excellent electrical properties for the construction of enzymatic interfaces. In particular, the direct electron transfer of glucose oxidase on the electrode surface is a very important issue in the development of enzyme-based bioelectrodes. However, the number of studies conducted to assess how pristine graphene forms different interfaces with other carbon materials is insufficient. Enzyme-based electrodes (formed using carbon materials) have been extensively applied because of their low manufacturing costs and easy production techniques. In this study, the characteristics of a single-walled carbon nanotube/graphene-combined enzyme interface are analyzed at the atomic level using molecular dynamics simulations. The morphology of the enzyme was visualized using an elastic network model by performing normal-mode analysis based on electrochemical and microscopic experiments. Single-carbon electrodes exhibited poorer electrical characteristics than those prepared as composites with enzymes. Furthermore, the composite interface exhibited 4.61- and 2.45-fold higher direct electron efficiencies than GOx synthesized with single-carbon nanotubes and graphene, respectively. Based on this study, we propose that pristine graphene has the potential to develop glucose oxidase interfaces and carbon-nanotube-graphene composites for easy fabrication, low cost, and efficient electrode structures for enzyme-based biofuel cells.

Nano-crystalline Fe3V3O8 material as an efficient advanced anode for energy storage applications

The sodium-ion battery (SIB) is a rapidly developing electrochemically rechargeable storage device and a direct substitute for Li-ion batteries. Therefore, identifying novel materials for sodium-ion storage applications is important. Efficient electrodes are particularly desirable for enhancing storage performance in battery applications. In this study, we fabricated a novel Fe3V3O8 (FVO) anode material for Na/Li-ion storage using hydrothermal technology for the first time. The electrochemical results indicated that the initial sodiation capacity of the FVO anode is as high as 805 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1, and a reversible sodiation capacity of 540 mA h g−1 is maintained over 200 cycles at 500 mA g−1, which is more than 1.8 times the commercial hard carbon of ∼300 mA h g−1. In addition, the oxidation states of the chemical compound and the corresponding sodium reaction mechanism are predicted using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and in-situ/ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Overall, the FVO material exhibited significantly higher electrochemical performance, demonstrating promising suitability for sodium-ion storage.

A review of electrooxidation systems treatment of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): electrooxidation degradation mechanisms and electrode materials.

The prevalence of polyfluoroalkyls and perfluoroalkyls (PFAS) represents a significant challenge, and various treatment techniques have been employed with considerable success to eliminate PFAS from water, with the ultimate goal of ensuring safe disposal of wastewater. This paper first describes the most promising electrochemical oxidation (EO) technology and then analyses its basic principles. In addition, this paper reviews and discusses the current state of research and development in the field of electrode materials and electrochemical reactors. Furthermore, the influence of electrode materials and electrolyte types on the deterioration process is also investigated. The importance of electrode materials in ethylene oxide has been widely recognised, and therefore, the focus of current research is mainly on the development of innovative electrode materials, the design of superior electrode structures, and the improvement of efficient electrode preparation methods. In order to improve the degradation efficiency of PFOS in electrochemical systems, it is essential to study the oxidation mechanism of PFOS in the presence of ethylene oxide. Furthermore, the factors influencing the efficacy of PFAS treatment, including current density, energy consumption, initial concentration, and other parameters, are clearly delineated. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the potential for integrating EO technology with other water treatment technologies. The continuous development of electrode materials and the integration of other water treatment processes present a promising future for the widespread application of ethylene oxide technology.

Design and Optimization of Critical-Raw-Material-Free Electrodes towards the Performance Enhancement of Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are sustainable energy recovery systems because they use organic waste as biofuel. Using critical raw materials (CRMs), like platinum-group metals, at the cathode side threatens MFC technology’s sustainability and raises costs. By developing an efficient electrode design for MFC performance enhancement, CRM-based cathodic catalysts should be replaced with CRM-free materials. This work proposes developing and optimizing iron-based air cathodes for enhancing oxygen reduction in MFCs. By subjecting iron phthalocyanine and carbon black pearls to controlled thermal treatments, we obtained Fe-based electrocatalysts combining high surface area (628 m2 g−1) and catalytic activity for O2 reduction at near-neutral pH. The electrocatalysts were integrated on carbon cloth and carbon paper to obtain gas diffusion electrodes whose architecture was optimized to maximize MFC performance. Excellent cell performance was achieved with the carbon-paper-based cathode modified with the Fe-based electrocatalysts (maximum power density-PDmax = 1028 mWm−2) compared to a traditional electrode design based on carbon cloth (619 mWm−2), indicating the optimized cathodes as promising electrodes for energy recovery in an MFC application.

Advances in Carbon Xerogels: Structural Optimization for Enhanced EDLC Performance.

This review explores the recent progress on carbon xerogels (CXs) and highlights their development and use as efficient electrodes in organic electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). In addition, this work examines how the adjustment of synthesis parameters, such as pH, polymerization duration, and the reactant-to-catalyst ratio, crucially affects the structure and electrochemical properties of xerogels. The adaptability of xerogels in terms of modification of their porosity and structure plays a vital role in the improvement of EDLC applications as it directly influences the interaction between electrolyte ions and the electrode surface, which is a key factor in determining EDLC performance. The review further discusses the substantial effects of chemical activation with KOH on the improvement of the porous structure and specific surface area, which leads to notable electrochemical enhancements. This structural control facilitates improvement in ion transport and storage, which are essential for efficient EDLC charge-discharge (C-D) cycles. Compared with commercial activated carbons for EDLC electrodes, CXs attract interest for their superior surface area, lower electrical resistance, and stable performance across diverse C-D rates, which underscore their promising potential in EDLC applications. This in-depth review not only summarizes the advancements in CX research but also highlights their potential to expand and improve EDLC applications and demonstrate the critical role of their tunable porosity and structure in the evolution of next-generation energy storage systems.

Morphology controlled synthesis of MnCo2S4 nanoflower structures for different metal precursors used for energy storage applications

Supercapacitors have been considered efficient energy storage devices because of their promising electrochemical charge storage capabilities. Nevertheless, an efficient electrode material is needed to fulfill the demands of current supercapacitor technology. This study examines the influence of various metal precursors (acetate (A), nitrate (N), and chloride (C)) on the morphology-dependent supercapacitor performance of MnCo2S4 (MCS) fabricated on nickel foam using an in situ hydrothermal method to obtain an optimized electrode material. The flower-like porous morphology of MCS N provides a maximum number of electrochemically active sites to the electrode material, enhancing the attainable surface area of the electrolyte upon increasing the electrochemical performance. The electrode material MnCo2S4 derived from a nitrate precursor exhibits higher specific capacity compared to MCS A and MCS C, reaching 2367C g−1 at 1 A g−1 and demonstrating 90 % cycles stability over 5000 cyclings. Likewise, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is developed by coupling activated carbon (negative electrode) with MnCo2S4 (positive electrode), yielding notable performance, such as 217 F g−1 capacitance at 1 A g−1, along with high energy and power densities of 63.3 Wh/kg and 6000 W kg−1, correspondingly. These outcomes emphasize the morphology-dependent behavior of MnCo2S4 in advancing supercapacitor design.

Encapsulating Mn-Fe prussian blue analog nanocuboids into the graphene framework towards fast and durable sodium storage

The exploration of high-performance sodium-ion hosts is an important issue in the field of advanced energy storage and conversions. Herein, MnFe PBA/rGO composite was prepared by simple coprecipitation and in situ synthesis, and realized the fast kinetics and superior stability for sodium storage. The rGO nanosheets were introduced as the framework to encapsulate the MnFe PBA nanocuboids with uniform particle size and well-defined configuration to further enhance their electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties. The prepared MnFe PBA/rGO composite exhibits superior charge/discharge properties than the pristine MnFe PBA nanocuboids, which show a capacity enhancement of over 30%. In addition, the PBA/rGO composite exhibits excellent cycling stability, which retains 80% of the capacity after 1000 cycles at a high rate of 1 A/g. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results further demonstrate the low resistance, high durability, and ultrahigh stability of the MnFe PBA/rGO composite during high-rate long-term cycling. Therefore, this work not only provides a high-performance sodium host but also gives a new clue to the design and construction of highly efficient electrode materials for advanced electrochemical systems.

Fabrication of Co1.5Ni1.5S4 and Prussian blue analogues composites with yolk-shell heterostructures as cathode and biomass derived carbon as anode for asymmetric supercapacitors

As highly efficient electrode materials for supercapacitors, the clean production of transition metal sulfide and biomass-derived carbon played an important role in promoting the practical process. In this work, Prussian blue analogues were grown in situ on glycerate precursors through a simple ion-exchange process, followed by sulfidation to obtain the Co1.5Ni1.5S4 and Prussian blue analogues composite microspheres with yolk-shell structures. Thanks to the unique micro-nano structure and multi-element synergy, composites exhibited excellent specific capacitance (up to 2388.7 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), rate performance (55.0 % capacitance retention at 30 A g−1), and cycling stability (capacitance maintained at 81.5 % after 5000 cycles). In addition, Nitrogen-doped sunflower seed shell derived carbon, prepared by two pyrolysis and salt-activation processes, could attain a specific capacitance of 347.1 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and an almost undiminished capacity of 5000 cycles. With Co1.5Ni1.5S4 and Prussian blue analogues composites as cathode and derived carbon as anode, the assembled hybrid supercapacitor exhibited an eminent energy density of 82.2 Wh kg−1 (at a power density of 904.9 W kg−1) and stable cycling characteristics (only 16.7 % loss of capacitance after 10,000 cycles). This work provided a feasible scheme for the structure regulation of sulfides and the defect construction of porous carbon.

High Capacitance Porous Ruthenium Nitride Films with High Rate Capability for Micro-Supercapacitors.

The demand for high-performance energy storage devices to power Internet of Things applications has driven intensive research on micro-supercapacitors (MSCs). In this study, RuN films made by magnetron sputtering as an efficient electrode material for MSCs are investigated. The sputtering parameters are carefully studied in order to maximize film porosity while maintaining high electrical conductivity, enabling a fast charging process. Using a combination of advanced techniques, the relationships among the morphology, structure, and electrochemical properties of the RuN films are investigated. The films are shown to have a complex structure containing a mixture of crystallized Ru and RuN phases with an amorphous oxide layer. The combination of high electrical conductivity and pseudocapacitive charge storage properties enabled a 16µm-thick RuN film to achieve a capacitance value of 0.8Fcm-2 in 1m KOH with ultra-high rate capability.

Molybdenum-Modified Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Arrays as an Efficient Electrode for the Electroreduction of Nitrate to Ammonia

Electrochemical nitrate reduction (NO3−RR) has been recognized as a promising strategy for sustainable ammonia (NH3) production due to its environmental friendliness and economical nature. However, the NO3−RR reaction involves an eight-electron coupled proton transfer process with many by-products and low Faraday efficiency. In this work, a molybdenum oxide (MoOx)-decorated titanium dioxide nanotube on Ti foil (Mo/TiO2) was prepared by means of an electrodeposition and calcination process. The structure of MoOx can be controlled by regulating the concentration of molybdate during the electrodeposition process, which can further influence the electron transfer from Ti to Mo atoms, and enhance the binding energy of intermediate species in NO3−RR. The optimized Mo/TiO2-M with more Mo(IV) sites exhibited a better activity for NO3−RR. The Mo/TiO2-M electrode delivered a NH3 yield of 5.18 mg h−1 cm−2 at −1.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl, and exhibited a Faraday efficiency of 88.05% at −1.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl. In addition, the cycling test demonstrated that the Mo/TiO2-M electrode possessed a good stability. This work not only provides an attractive electrode material, but also offers new insights into the rational design of catalysts for NO3−RR.

Surface Chemistry Modulation of BaGd0.8La0.2Co2O6-δ As Active Air Electrode for Solid Oxide Cells.

Modulation of the surface chemistry of air electrodes makes it possible to significantly improve the electrocatalytic performance of solid oxide cells (SOCs). Here, the surface chemistry of BaGd0.8La0.2Co2O6-δ (BGLC) double perovskite is modulated by treatment in an acidic citric acid solution. The treatment leads to corrosion on the surface of BGLC particles, and the effect is dependent on the acidity of the solution. As the acidity of solution is low, Ba cations are selectively dissolved out of the BGLC surface, while as the acidity increases, the corrosion becomes more homogeneous. The Ba surface deficiency remarkably increases the concentration of surface oxygen vacancies and electrocatalytic activity of BGLC. To avoid the loss of Ba-deficient surface during the conventional high temperature sintering process, a sintering-free fabrication route is utilized to directly assemble the Ba-deficient BGLC powder into an air electrode. A single cell with the surface Ba-deficient BGLC electrode shows a peak power density of 1.04 W cm-2 at 750 °C and an electrolysis current density of 1.48 A cm-2 at 1.3 V, much greater than 0.64 W cm-2 and 1.02 A cm-2 of the cell with the pristine BGLC, respectively. This work provides a simple and effective surface chemistry modulation strategy for the development of an efficient air electrode for SOCs.

Design and optimization of self-assembled nanocomposite electrodes for SOFCs

Nanocomposites exhibit improved electrochemical and mechanical properties compared to single-phase materials, making them promising for the development of efficient and durable electrodes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, conventional fabrication methods usually involve multiple steps and high sintering temperatures, potentially leading to adverse effects on the properties of these materials due to excessive grain growth or reactivity among the cell components. In this study, nanocomposite electrodes of Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ - Ce0.9Sm0.1O1.95 (SSC–CSO) are prepared using a co-synthesis freeze-drying method, followed by screen-printing deposition and sintering at high temperatures. Alternatively, they are prepared through direct spray-pyrolysis deposition on the electrolyte at reduced temperatures. In both cases, the intimate mixture of SSC and CSO phases not only partially suppresses grain growth but also provides extended actives sites for the electrochemical reactions. More interestingly, when the electrodes are directly assembled onto the electrolyte via spray-pyrolysis, no adverse chemical interaction between the SSC and CSO components is observed, unlike the screen-printed electrodes. These nanocomposite electrodes exhibit remarkably high thermal stability during annealing cycles at intermediate temperature. Polarization resistance values as low as 0.09 Ω cm2 are achieved at 600 °C, further decreasing to 0.04 and 0.015 Ω cm2 under cathodic and anodic polarization, respectively.

Co-doping mechanism of biomass-derived nitrogen-boron porous carbon and its applications in energy storage and environmental purification

In this paper, we aim to design and synthesize a low-cost, multifunctional and efficient electrode and adsorbent material (nitrogen doped and nitrogen-boron co-doped) by combinatorial doping of heteroatoms using cherry blossoms (Prunus yedoensis) as biomass feedstock. The differences in morphology and structure of the two materials due to the doping of boron atoms were analyzed. Among them, the nitrogen-boron co-doped porous carbon NBKCC had a hierarchical porous structure with a shape similar to that of carbon microspheres and a specific surface area as high as 1184 m2/g. In the three-electrode system, the specific capacitance of the assembled electrodes was 337.5 F/g (current density: 0.5 A/g). In the NBKCC symmetric capacitor test, the energy density could reach 15.1 Wh/kg at a power density of 420.5 W/kg. After 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, the capacitance retention was 96.98 % (5 A/g), which showed good stability. In addition, we evaluated the adsorption capacity of carbon microspheres for malachite green, rhodamine B, and methylene blue. Among them, the maximum adsorption of malachite green in a single system was 572.4 mg/g. Based on this, we demonstrated the feasibility and preparation of porous carbon materials by combinatorial doping with heteroatoms using biomass waste cherry blossoms as carbon substrates.

Effects of foam cathode electrode structure on alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production

Hydrogen is widely recognized as a clean and sustainable energy source. One of the most promising methods for hydrogen production is alkaline water electrolysis. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this process heavily depend on the choice of a suitable porous electrode structure. This paper aims to investigate impact of the porous structure on the performance of alkaline electrolytic water through experiments and multi-physics field simulation. Specifically, the whole cell performance test and hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) test of nickel foam were conducted in an electrolytic cell using 1 M KOH. Results revealed that various parameters of the electrode structure, such as specific surface area, pore density, thickness, and electronic conductivity, significantly influenced the hydrogen evolution. Increasing the specific surface area or pore density proved to enhance the hydrogen evolution under conventional voltage. Reducing the thickness has a similar effect. Additionally, materials with high conductivities increase the reaction rate. Based on experimental results, the optimal nickel foam cathode structure was 1000 μm thickness and 75 PPI pore density. The results of stability tests and electrolysis voltage efficiency analysis provide further support for the positive effect of this structure on hydrogen evolution. This study provides rational reference for designing efficient and stable porous electrode structures.

Facile controllable sequential electrochemical in-situ synthesis of Fe3O4/PPY hybrid electrode for supercapacitor

In this work, a facile sequential electrochemical synthesis strategy is employed for the precisely controlled in situ polymerization of pyrrole on an iron oxide substrate in the oxalic acid system. The use of porous iron oxide as a template allows for the modification of polypyrrole to create a large conductive network while preserving the integrity of the substrate. This process improves the poor conductivity of conventional metal oxides, allowing for the synthesis of a Fe3O4/PPY hybrid electrode material. The experiments elucidated the mechanism of pyrrole surface morphology coupled with the deposition amount threshold affecting the electrode performance. This was achieved by elucidating the regulation laws of key deposition process parameters (pyrrole monomer concentration, scanning rate, and number of cycles) on the diffusion and oxidation behaviors of pyrrole during the continuous polymerization process. Furthermore, the electrochemical behaviors of the Fe3O4/PPY hybrid electrode were better resolved. The results demonstrate that the deposition amount of PPY on the Fe3O4/PPY hybrid electrode material is within the optimized threshold (1 × 10−6∼3 × 10−6 g), exhibiting a regular and uniform surface morphology with no agglomeration, which indicates a competitive specific capacitance (215.12 mF cm−2 at 1.1 mA cm−2). This strategy of structure-modulated synergistic functional hybridization offers a new approach for designing efficient binder-free hybridized electrode materials.

Fabrication of porous Ni–Co LDH@rGO nanocomposites as efficient electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitor

Fabrication of porous Ni–Co LDH@rGO nanocomposites as efficient electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitor

Tuning Stainless Steel Oxide Layers through Potential Cycling─AEM Water Electrolysis Free of Critical Raw Materials.

Anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) have an intrinsic advantage over acidic proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers through their ability to use inexpensive, stable materials such as stainless steel (SS) to catalyze the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). As such, the study of active oxide layers on SS has garnered great interest. Potential cycling is a means to create such active oxide layers in situ as they are readily formed in alkaline solutions when exposed to elevated potentials. Cycling conditions in the literature are rife with unexplained variations, and a complete account of how these variations affect the activity and constitution of SS oxide layers remains unreported, along with their influence on AEMWE performance. In this paper, we seek to fill this gap in the literature by strategically cycling SS felt (SSF) electrodes under different scan rates and ranges. The SSF anodes were rapidly activated within the first 50 cycles, as shown by the 10-fold decline in charge transfer resistance, and the subsequent 1000 cycles tuned the metal oxide surface composition. Cycling the Ni redox couple (RC) increases Ni content, which is further enhanced by lowering the cycling rate, while cycling the Fe RC increases Cr content. Fair OER activity was uncovered through cycling the Ni RC, while Fe cycling produced SSF electrodes active toward both the OER and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This indicates that inert SSF electrodes can be activated to become efficient OER and HER electrodes. To this effect, a single-cell AEMWE without any traditional catalyst or ionomer generated 1.0 A cm-2 at 1.94 V ± 13.3 mV with an SSF anode, showing a fair performance for a cell free of critical raw materials.

Molybdenum Sulfide Nanoflowers as Electrodes for Efficient and Scalable Lithium-Ion Capacitors.

Hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) bridge the unique advantages of batteries and capacitors and are considered promising energy storage devices for hybrid vehicles and other electronic gadgets. Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) have attained particular interest due to their higher energy and power density than traditional supercapacitor devices. The limited voltage window and the deterioration of anode materials upsurged the demand for efficient and stable electrode materials. Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) is a promising candidate for developing efficient and durable LICs due to its wide lithiation potential and unique layer structure, enhancing charge storage efficiency. Modifying the extrinsic features, such as the dimensions and shape at the nanoscale, serves as a potential path to overcome the sluggish kinetics observed in the LICs. Herein, the MoS2 nanoflowers have been synthesized through a hydrothermal route. The developed LIC exhibited a specific capacitance of 202.4 F g-1 at 0.25 A g-1 and capacitance retention of >90 % over 5,000 cycles. Using an ether electrolyte improved the voltage window (2.0 V) and enhanced the stability performance. The ex-situ material characterization after the stability test reveals that the storage mechanism in MoS2-LICs is not diffusion-controlled. Instead, the fast surface redox reactions, especially intercalation/deintercalation of ions, are more prominent for charge storage.

Interfacial Interaction in MeOx/MWNTs (Me-Cu, Ni) Nanostructures as Efficient Electrode Materials for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, complex nanostructures based on carbon nanotubes and transition metal oxides are considered promising electrode materials for the fabrication of high-performance supercapacitors with a fast charge rate, high power density, and long cycle life. The crucial role in determining their efficiency is played by the properties of the interface in such nanostructures, among them, the type of chemical bonds between their components. The complementary theoretical and experimental methods, including dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT-D3) within GGA-PBE approximation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, X-ray photoelectron, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies, were applied in the present work for the comprehensive investigation of surface morphology, structure, and electronic properties in CuOx/MWCNTs and NiOx/MWCNTs. As a result, the type of interfacial interaction and its correlation with electrochemical characteristics were determined. It was found that the presence of both Ni-O-C and Ni-C bonds can increase the contact between NiO and MWCNTs, and, through this, promote electron transfer between NiO and MWCNTs. For NiOx/MWCNTs, better electrochemical characteristics were observed than for CuOx/MWCNTs, in which the interfacial interaction is determined only by bonding through Cu-O-C bonds. The electrochemical properties of CuOx/MWCNTs and NiOx/MWCNTs were studied to demonstrate the effect of interfacial interaction on their efficiency as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.

Coal-based carbon nanosheets contained carbon microfibers modified with grown carbon nanotubes as efficient air electrode material for rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Coal-based oxygen electrocatalysts hold immense promise for cost-effective applications in rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs) and the value-added, clean utilization of traditional coal resources. Herein, an electrospun membrane electrode comprising coal-derived carbon nanosheets and directly grown carbon nanotubes (CNS/CMF@CNT) was successfully synthesized. The hierarchical porous structure of the electrode, composed of multiple components, significantly facilitates mass and ion transportation, resulting in exceptional electrochemical performance. Employing Fe as the catalyst for CNT growth, the CNS/CMF@CNT electrode exhibits a remarkable onset potential of 0.96 V and a half-wave potential of 0.87 V in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In-situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy reveals that hydroxyl radical desorption on the surface of CNS/CMF@CNT(Fe) is the rate-determining step of the ORR. Notably, the aqueous ZAB featuring the CNS/CMF@CNT(Fe) electrode achieved a peak power density of 216.0 mW cm−2 at a current density of 414 mA cm−2 and maintained a voltage efficiency of 65.1 % after 2000 charge/discharge cycles at 5 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the all-solid-state ZAB incorporating this electrode displayed an open-circuit voltage of 1.43 V, a peak power density of 70.1 mW cm−2 at a current density of 110 mA cm−2, and a voltage efficiency of 66.5 % after 150 charge/discharge cycles. The utilization of abundant coal as the raw material for electrode fabrication not only brings conceivable economic benefits in ZAB construction, but also commendably advances the effective application of traditional coal resources in a more sustainable manner.