Binder-Free Fe-N-C-O Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Nickel Foam for Aqueous Zinc–Air Batteries
The development of efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective catalysts is crucial for energy storage technologies, such as zinc–air batteries (ZABs). These batteries require bifunctional catalysts capable of efficiently and selectively catalyzing oxygen redox reactions. However, the high cost and l...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| author | Jorge González-Morales Jadra Mosa Mario Aparicio |
| author_facet | Jorge González-Morales Jadra Mosa Mario Aparicio |
| author_sort | Jorge González-Morales |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The development of efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective catalysts is crucial for energy storage technologies, such as zinc–air batteries (ZABs). These batteries require bifunctional catalysts capable of efficiently and selectively catalyzing oxygen redox reactions. However, the high cost and low selectivity of conventional catalysts hinder the large-scale integration of ZABs into the electric grid. This study presents binder-free Fe-based bifunctional electrocatalysts synthesized via a sol–gel method, followed by thermal treatment under ammonia flow. Supported on nickel foam, the catalyst exhibits enhanced activity for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), essential for ZAB operation. This work addresses two critical challenges in the development of ZABs: first, the replacement of costly cobalt or platinum-group-metal (PGM)-based catalysts with an efficient alternative; second, the achievement of prolonged battery performance under real conditions without passivation. Structural analysis confirms the integration of iron nitrides, oxides, and carbon, resulting in high conductivity and catalytic stability without relying on precious or cobalt-based metals. Electrochemical tests reveal that the catalyst calcined at 800 °C delivers superior performance, achieving a four-electron ORR mechanism and prolonged operational life compared to its 900 °C counterpart. Both catalysts outperform conventional Pt/C-RuO<sub>2</sub> systems in stability and selective bifunctionality, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The innovative combination of nitrogen, carbon, and iron compounds overcomes limitations associated with traditional materials, paving the way for scalable, high-performance applications in renewable energy storage. This work underscores the potential of transition metal-based catalysts in advancing the commercial viability of ZABs. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c12015a9726c4a5fb86fe7ad9d08dde8 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2313-0105 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Batteries |
| spelling | doaj-art-c12015a9726c4a5fb86fe7ad9d08dde82025-08-20T03:14:25ZengMDPI AGBatteries2313-01052025-04-0111415910.3390/batteries11040159Binder-Free Fe-N-C-O Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Nickel Foam for Aqueous Zinc–Air BatteriesJorge González-Morales0Jadra Mosa1Mario Aparicio2Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Kelsen 5, 28049 Madrid, SpainInstituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Kelsen 5, 28049 Madrid, SpainInstituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Kelsen 5, 28049 Madrid, SpainThe development of efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective catalysts is crucial for energy storage technologies, such as zinc–air batteries (ZABs). These batteries require bifunctional catalysts capable of efficiently and selectively catalyzing oxygen redox reactions. However, the high cost and low selectivity of conventional catalysts hinder the large-scale integration of ZABs into the electric grid. This study presents binder-free Fe-based bifunctional electrocatalysts synthesized via a sol–gel method, followed by thermal treatment under ammonia flow. Supported on nickel foam, the catalyst exhibits enhanced activity for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), essential for ZAB operation. This work addresses two critical challenges in the development of ZABs: first, the replacement of costly cobalt or platinum-group-metal (PGM)-based catalysts with an efficient alternative; second, the achievement of prolonged battery performance under real conditions without passivation. Structural analysis confirms the integration of iron nitrides, oxides, and carbon, resulting in high conductivity and catalytic stability without relying on precious or cobalt-based metals. Electrochemical tests reveal that the catalyst calcined at 800 °C delivers superior performance, achieving a four-electron ORR mechanism and prolonged operational life compared to its 900 °C counterpart. Both catalysts outperform conventional Pt/C-RuO<sub>2</sub> systems in stability and selective bifunctionality, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The innovative combination of nitrogen, carbon, and iron compounds overcomes limitations associated with traditional materials, paving the way for scalable, high-performance applications in renewable energy storage. This work underscores the potential of transition metal-based catalysts in advancing the commercial viability of ZABs.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-0105/11/4/159bifunctional ORR-OERFe-based catalystzinc–air batteryair electrodeporous Zn anode |
| spellingShingle | Jorge González-Morales Jadra Mosa Mario Aparicio Binder-Free Fe-N-C-O Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Nickel Foam for Aqueous Zinc–Air Batteries Batteries bifunctional ORR-OER Fe-based catalyst zinc–air battery air electrode porous Zn anode |
| title | Binder-Free Fe-N-C-O Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Nickel Foam for Aqueous Zinc–Air Batteries |
| title_full | Binder-Free Fe-N-C-O Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Nickel Foam for Aqueous Zinc–Air Batteries |
| title_fullStr | Binder-Free Fe-N-C-O Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Nickel Foam for Aqueous Zinc–Air Batteries |
| title_full_unstemmed | Binder-Free Fe-N-C-O Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Nickel Foam for Aqueous Zinc–Air Batteries |
| title_short | Binder-Free Fe-N-C-O Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Nickel Foam for Aqueous Zinc–Air Batteries |
| title_sort | binder free fe n c o bifunctional electrocatalyst in nickel foam for aqueous zinc air batteries |
| topic | bifunctional ORR-OER Fe-based catalyst zinc–air battery air electrode porous Zn anode |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-0105/11/4/159 |
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