In-situ formation of cobalt phosphide nanoparticles confined in three-dimensional porous carbon for high-performing zinc-air battery and water splitting

The rational design of efficient and stable carbon-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction evolution reactions is crucial improving energy density long-term stability rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a general controllable synthesis method was developed to prepare three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon composites embedded with diverse metal phosphide nanocrystallites by interfacial coordination transition ions phytic acid-doped polyaniline networks subsequent pyrolysis. Phytic acid as the dopant provides favorable anchoring sites owing interaction. Specifically, adjusting concentration adsorbed cobalt can achieve phase regulation phosphides. Thus, abundant nanoparticles nitrogen- phosphorus-doping sites, obtained exhibited electrocatalytic activities toward reactions. Consequently, fabricated ZABs high density, power 368 mW cm−2, good cycling/mechanical stability, which could water splitting integrated device fabrication gas yields.