Co/N-doped carbon nanosheets derived from InOF-1 precursors for efficient Zn-Air battery

Abstract In energy conversion systems, energy can be efficiently converted from one form to another form with catalysts, of which the design and synthesis are of great importance. Based on the remarkable traits of metal-organic frameworks, we have tuned the InOF-1 morphology by adding different amounts of the CTAB surfactant. Subsequently, as the rod-like InOF-1 with the highest adsorption capacity can encapsulate more metal ions, it is selected as the precursor to absorb the [Co(NH3)6]3+ ions and further calcined at high temperature to form N-doped carbon nanosheets containing Co NPs (Co-NCS). The resultant carbon nanomaterial shows a satisfying ORR performance (Eonset of 0.92 V vs. RHE, E1/2 of 0.83 V vs. RHE and the JL of 5.05 mA cm−2) and electrochemical stability (97.26% after 10 h) due to its hierarchical porosity, large specific surface area, abundant active sites and appropriate N-doping. Finally, an outstanding oxygen reduction property of the Co-NCS catalyst can be achieved to substitute the commercial Pt/C as the cathode catalyst for the Zn-air battery. This work would be expected to instructive in understanding ORR catalytic reaction and supplement a pathway to prepare MOFs-derived carbon nanomaterials for energy conversion and storage.