Rationally Designed Zn-Anode and Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-Cathode Nanoelectrocatalysts for an Efficient Zn–Air Battery
Khaleel Ahmed J. Dilshad, M.K. Rabinal
Abstract
The formation of Zn dendrites and ZnO byproducts in Zn–air batteries is the reason for their poor performance, which needs urgent scrutiny. Here, an attempt is made to grow high-surface-area three-dimensional (3D) Zn nanoflakes on molecularly modified Zn surface. The approach is simple, cost effective, and straightforward for a large-scale production of anode. Additionally, Co3O4 as a catalyst for oxygen evolution is effectively immobilized on nickel foam by a simple spray pyrolysis technique. It provides a stable current density of 10 mA cm–2 at 1.51 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)). A Zn–air battery is assembled in a homemade setup and studied in detail for its electrochemical properties. It shows outstanding cycling stability of more than 500 charge–discharge cycles at 5 mA cm–2 (83 h). A comparative study is carried out for unmodified and modified Zn anodes. It is observed that molecular modification has a strong influence on battery performance. Hence, the present approach can be innovative in the development of next-generation Zn–air batteries.