Volume 20, Issue 43 2402761
Review

High-Performance Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Flexible and Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries: Recent Advances

Chen-Yu Song

Chen-Yu Song

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Chen-Jin Huang

Chen-Jin Huang

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Hui-Min Xu

Hui-Min Xu

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Zhi-Jie Zhang

Zhi-Jie Zhang

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Ting-Yu Shuai

Ting-Yu Shuai

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Qi-Ni Zhan

Qi-Ni Zhan

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Gao-Ren Li

Corresponding Author

Gao-Ren Li

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

E-mail: [email protected]

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First published: 02 July 2024
Citations: 7

Abstract

Flexible rechargeable Zn–air batteries (FZABs) exhibit high energy density, ultra-thin, lightweight, green, and safe features, and are considered as one of the ideal power sources for flexible wearable electronics. However, the slow and high overpotential oxygen reaction at the air cathode has become one of the key factors restricting the development of FZABs. The improvement of activity and stability of bifunctional catalysts has become a top priority. At the same time, FZABs should maintain the battery performance under different bending and twisting conditions, and the design of the overall structure of FZABs is also important. Based on the understanding of the three typical configurations and working principles of FZABs, this work highlights two common strategies for applying bifunctional catalysts to FZABs: 1) powder-based flexible air cathode and 2) flexible self-supported air cathode. It summarizes the recent advances in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts and explores the various types of catalyst structures as well as the related mechanistic understanding. Based on the latest catalyst research advances, this paper introduces and discusses various structure modulation strategies and expects to guide the synthesis and preparation of efficient bifunctional catalysts. Finally, the current status and challenges of bifunctional catalyst research in FZABs are summarized.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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