Air‐Cathode with 3D Multiphase Electrocatalyst Interface Design for High‐Efficiency and Durable Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries

The development of rechargeable zinc–air batteries is hindered by the low energy- conversion efficiency and short cycle life, which are partly due to the unsatisfactory performance oxygen electrocatalysts on air-cathode. The low catalysts partially complexity gas- involving multiphase interface required for cataly sis reactions, it is often acquired only a fraction loaded catalyst that in direct contact with 2D surface gas diffus ion layer (GDL). A paradigm proposed for extending active region using an enhanced 3D the cathode, comprises abundant sites with optimized hydrophobicity and reliable stability. reduction reaction (ORR) or bifunctional catalyst embedded into bulk GDL forms semihydrophobic catalyst (SCL), whereas auxiliary hydrophilic evolution reaction (OER) integrated onto assists reduce polarization during cell charging improves cathode durability. An air-cathode comprising SCL exhibits overall superior conventional cathode counterparts including cathodes metal-based catalysts, the enhanced cathode.