N,P-co-doped porous carbon nanotubes (N,P-HCNTs) were fabricated and exploited for efficient electrocatalysis in rechargeable Zn-air batteries. The N,P-HCNTs were synthesized from a reaction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with hydrogen peroxide, followed by a pyrolysis with nitrogen and phosphorous sources. Some analyses including FE-SEM and HR-TEM revealed that the N,P-HCNTs exhibited hole-rich porous structures as a result of the reaction. According to Raman results, it was confirmed that the conductivity of N,P-HCNTs remained high despite of the reaction. Rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) results indicated that the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities of N,P-HCNTs were comparable to those of noble metal-based catalysts. For the rechargeable Zn-air battery application, N,P-HCNTs as the catalysts of air cathode exhibited higher power density and good charge-recharge cycle life compared with the noble metal-based catalysts. In summary, the excellent ORR and OER activity of N,P-HCNTs make them good candidates for use as electrocatalyts and could enhance the performance of rechargeable Zn-air batteries.

Highly conductive N,P-co-doped porous carbon nanotubes for efficient electrocatalysis in rechargeable Zn-air batteries

2019 Fall National Meeting

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