Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are still kinetic barriers of regenerative fuel cell and metal–air batteries, requiring efficient and inexpensive bifunctional electrocatalysts to accelerate the reaction and improve energy efficiency. Herein, we develop Co9S8 particles in situ grown on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped porous carbon (Co9S8/NSPC) to replace the benchmark noble metal catalysts, which shows high catalytic activities including small potential gap, long-term durability and high selectivity. Importantly, the Zn–air battery with Co9S8/NSPC as air electrode displays low discharge/charge overpotential and good cyclic stability, making it the promising bifunctional catalyst for the practical applications.
- Hai-xia Zhong
- Kai Li
- Xin-bo Zhang