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Reconstructing 3d-Metal Electrocatalysts through Anionic Evolution in Zinc-Air Batteries
Ya-Ping Deng1, Yi Jiang1,2, Ruilin Liang1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|September 8, 2023
Summary
Anionic chemistry in 3d-metal selenides promotes dynamic reconstruction and performance in rechargeable zinc-air batteries. Selenium
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Rechargeable zinc-air batteries are promising sustainable energy storage systems.
- Research on 3d-metal electrocatalysts is active, but performance disparities are unexplained.
- Dynamic reconstruction of catalysts during operation is a key factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of anionic contribution in regulating catalyst dynamic reconstruction.
- Understand the impact of anionic chemistry on 3d-metal selenide performance in Zn-air batteries.
- Explain performance disparities among different catalysts.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling
- Selenium-resolved operando spectroscopy
- Advanced electron microscopy
Main Results:
- Identified a three-step selenium evolution process: oxidation, leaching, and recoordination.
- Discovered that anionic chemistry, specifically Se motifs in amorphous (oxy)hydroxide, promotes battery performance.
- Established a concept of "Se back-feeding" to explain the chemistry in diverse 3d-metal selenides.
Conclusions:
- Anionic chemistry is a critical performance promoter in 3d-metal selenide electrocatalysts.
- The dynamic reconstruction process involving selenium is key to enhanced Zn-air battery performance.
- Fine-tuning anionic composition offers a viable strategy for optimizing these batteries.
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