Zn-Air Battery Application of Atomically Dispersed Metallic Materials

Abstract

High-performance oxygen electrocatalysts play a key role in the widespread application of rechargeable Zn-air batteries. Single-atom electrocatalysts (SACs) with maximum atom efficiency and well-defined active sites have been recognized as promising alternatives for the present noble-metal-based catalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To improve their oxygen electrocatalysis activities and define the structure-activity relationship, many advanced synthesis and characterization methods have been developed to study the effects of (i) coordination and electronic structure of the metal centers and (ii) morphology and stability of the conductive substrates. Herein, a detailed review of the recent advances of SACs with strong electronic metal-support interaction for rechargeable Zn-air batteries is provided. We put great emphasis on the formation of electronic metal-support interactions and design strategies. Besides, we highlight the importance and the impact of the atomic coordinating structure and the substrates on the oxygen electrocatalytic activity and stability. Finally, future directions and perspectives on the development of SACs are also presented.