Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Functional Materials
5 years ago

Atomic-Level Coupled Interfaces and Lattice Distortion on CuS/NiS2 Nanocrystals Boost Oxygen Catalysis for Flexible Zn-Air Batteries

Atomic-Level Coupled Interfaces and Lattice Distortion on CuS/NiS2 Nanocrystals Boost Oxygen Catalysis for Flexible Zn-Air Batteries
Shaojun Guo, Fangyi Cheng, Pinxian Xi, Ying Yang, Li An, Cailing Xu, Jie Yin, Mingchuan Luo, Yuxuan Li, Yong-Qing Zhao
The exploration of highly efficient nonprecious metal bifunctional electrocatalysts to boost oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction is critical for development of high energy density metal-air batteries. Herein, a class of CuS/NiS2 interface nanocrystals (INs) catalysts with atomic-level coupled nanointerface, subtle lattice distortion, and plentiful vacancy defects is reported. The results from temperature-dependent in situ synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine spectroscopy and electron spin resonance spectroscopy demonstrate that the lattice distortion of 14.7% in CuS/NiS2 caused by the strong Jahn–Teller effect of Cu, the strong atomic-level coupled interface of CuS and NiS2 domains, and distinct vacancy defects can provide numerous effective active sites for their excellent bifunctional performance. A liquid Zn-air battery with the CuS/NiS2 INs as air electrode displays a large peak power density (172.4 mW cm−2), a high specific capacity (775 mAh gZn−1), and long cycle life (up to 83 h), making the CuS/NiS2 INs among the best bifunctional catalysts for Zn-air battery. More remarkably, the flexible CuS/NiS2 INs-based solid-state Zn-air batteries can power the LED after twisting, making them be promising in portable and wearable electronic devices. The anomalous CuS/NiS2 interface nanocrystals (INs) with nanointerfaces, subtle lattice distortion with a degree of about 14.7%, and rich defects show excellent electrocatalytic performance for both oxygen evolution reaction and reduction reaction. A Zn-air battery with CuS/NiS2 INs as air-cathode demonstrates high performance, even after bending with various shapes. Flexible CuS/NiS2 INs-based solid-state Zn-air batteries can even power light-emitting diodes.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201703779

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