Integrated CoO nanoparticles@porous carbon nanosheets arrays on carbon cloth as cathode for rechargeable Zn-air batteries

Abstract Rechargeable Zn-air batteries attract much attention because of their high theoretical specific capacity and low cost. However, building an integrated air electrode possessing multiple functions such as catalytic action, current collector as well as the carrier is still a challenge. To raise the catalytic efficiency of the air electrode, hierarchical integrated electrodes assembled by porous carbon nanosheets arrays and CoO nanoparticles on carbon cloth are well designed and prepared. The surface morphology and the catalyst phase of the hierarchical electrode are characterized by SEM, XRD and XPS methods respectively. The electrochemical performances of the electrodes are evaluated by three-electrode system and two-electrode Zn-air battery. The results show that, the hierarchical structure provides abundant platform for catalytic reaction and promotes the transfer of reactants/products, indicating excellent rate and cyclic properties of the batteries.