Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with high activity and efficient atom utilization for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) are imperative for rechargeable Zinc-air batteries (ZABs). However, it is still a prominent challenge to construct a noble-metal-free SAC with low cost but high efficiency. Herein, a novel nitrogen-doped graphene (NrGO) based SAC, immobilized with atomically dispersed single cobalt (Co) atoms (Co-NrGO-SAC), is reported for ORRs. In this 3D NrGO, the Co-N4 sites endow high-efficiency ORR activity, and the 3D-interconnected porous architectures of NrGOs guarantee numberous active sites accessibility. Compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst (≈5.8mA cm-2), as-prepared Co-NrGO-SACs presents considerable limiting current density of ≈5.9mA cm-2, prominent half-wave potential of ≈0.84V, onset potential of ≈1.05V, and as well as superior methanol resistance. Particularly, ZABs with Co-NrGO-SACs deliver remarkable power density (≈240mW cm-2), super durability of over 233h at 5mA cm-2, outperforming noble-metal-based benchmarks. This work provides an effective noble-metal free carbon-based SAC nano-engineering for superdurable ZABs.
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