Laser-Induced Graphene Hybrid Catalysts for Rechargeable Zn-Air Batteries

Rechargeable Zn-air batteries are projected to afford electrical energy storage with high energy and power density, safety, and economic viability. One of the key components in designing the battery is the cathode catalyst that is used to facilitate the cathodic reactions, specifically oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR and OER). Here we report the facile synthesis of ternary metal oxide/graphene hybrid catalysts by combining ORR-active Co/Mn with OER-active Ni and Fe species to promote the bifunctional activity all in an in situ formed laser-induced graphene flexible film. These hybrid catalysts exhibit high catalytic activity and surpass the performance of precious metal Pt and RuO2 catalysts in Zn-air batteries. The batteries show high discharge peak power density of 98.9 mW cm–2 and energy density of 842 Wh kgZn–1. The batteries also show high reversibility and durability through charge/discharge cycles for >200 h. The catalysts demonstrate that applications in flexible Zn-air batteries that would be beneficial for wearable and flexible electronic devices.