Atomically modulated Cu single-atom catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions towards high-power density Zn– and Al–air batteries

Chemical Communications 2024 60, 15015

https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC05217J

Nayantara K. Wagh, Sambhaji S. Shinde and Jung-Ho Lee

Herein, Cu single-atom-encapsulated hollow carbon–nitrogen spheres (CuSA@CNS) are fabricated through a solution process, confining optimal electronic structures reinforcing Cu–N4 active sites. CuSA@CNS demonstrate a remarkable half-wave potential of 0.95 V, mass activity, and a durability of 5000 cycles. Accordingly, CuSA@CNS present record-high power densities of 371 and 289 mW cm−2 for Zn– and Al–air batteries. The rechargeable Zn–air battery demonstrates an unprecedented small charge–discharge voltage and stable cycling for harsh operations at 50 mA cm−2, outperforming Pt/C.