Facile synthesis of a MOF-derived Co–N–C nanostructure as a bi-functional oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn–air batteries

A novel catalyst obtained from the pyrolysis of a Co/Fe/Zn zeolitic imidazolite framework was prepared as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst. The Co–N–C-900 catalyst displays promising ORR and OER activity with E(1/2) = 0.854 V and E(j=10) = 1.780 V. The rechargeable Zn–air battery equipped with a Co–N–C-900 cathode electrocatalyst illustrates a high peak power density of 275 mW cm(−2), which is much superior than that of commercial 20% Pt/C. Significantly, the designed Zn–air battery with the Co–N–C-900 catalyst presents good cycling stability for 180 h in the rechargeable Zn–air battery.