In situ growth of N-doped bamboo-like carbon nanotubes embedded with FeNi nanoparticles on carbon cloth as self-standing cathodes for efficient rechargeable zinc–air batteries

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Abstract
In situ growth of N-doped bamboo-like carbon nanotubes embedded with FeNi nanoparticles on carbon cloth (FeNi@NBCNTs/CC) has been reported, along with the demonstration of the direct application of FeNi@NBCNTs/CC as self-standing bifunctional air cathodes in rechargeable zinc–air batteries (RZABs). The resulting FeNi@NBCNTs/CC, with 3D integrated conductive frameworks, large surface area, hierarchically porous architecture and embedded FeNi nanoparticles, provided sufficient accessible reaction sites and an optimal charge/mass transfer environment. Thus, the FeNi@NBCNTs/CC exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a positive half-wave potential of 0.90 V and toward the oxygen reduction reaction (OER) with a low potential of 1.52 V at 10 mA cm−2, outperforming commercial Pt/C and Ru/C catalysts, respectively. Impressively, they served as self-standing air cathodes for liquid and flexible quasi-solid-state RZABs, demonstrating outstanding battery performance with high energy density, robust durability with a low rate of energy loss and favorable flexibility. This work provides a useful strategy for fabricating low-cost and efficient electrodes without the use of polymeric binders and noble metals for metal–air batteries and other related fields.
Funding Information
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (21603103)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (22279054)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (Key project 52131306)
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFB2400205)
  • Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20171462)

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