N-doped ZrO₂ nanoparticles embedded in a N-doped carbon matrix as a highly active and durable electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction.

ABSTRACT: Fabricating highly efficient and robust oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is challenging but desirable for practical Zn-air batteries. As an early transition-metal oxide, zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) has emerged as an interesting catalyst owing to its unique characteristics of high stability, anti-toxicity, good catalytic activity, and small oxygen adsorption enthalpies. However, its intrinsically poor electrical conductivity makes it difficult to serve as an ORR electrocatalyst. Herein, we report ultrafine N-doped ZrO₂ nanoparticles embedded in an N-doped porous carbon matrix as an ORR electrocatalyst (N-ZrO₂/NC). The N-ZrO₂/NC catalyst displays excellent activity and long-term durability with a half-wave potential (E_1/2) o

SUBMITTER: Cao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11197681 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature