In-situ growth of N-doped bamboo-like carbon nanotubes embedded with FeNi nanoparticles on carbon cloth as self-standing cathode for efficient rechargeable zinc-air battery

In-situ growth of N-doped bamboo-like carbon nanotubes embedded with FeNi nanoparticles on carbon cloth (FeNi@NBCNTs/CC) is reported and direct application of FeNi@NBCNTs/CC as self-standing bifunctional air cathodes in rechargeable zinc-air batteries (RZABs) is demonstrated. The resulting FeNi@NBCNTs/CC with 3D integrated conductive frameworks, large suface area and hierarchically porous architecture as well as embedded FeNi nanoparticles can provide sufficient accessible reaction sites and optimal charge/mass transfer environment. Thus, the FeNi@NBCNTs/CC exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a positive half-wave potential of 0.90 V and oxygen reduction reaction (OER) with a low potential of 1.52 V at 10 mA cm−2, outperforming commercial Pt/C and Ru/C catalyst, respectively. Impressively, they serve as self-standing air cathodes for liquid and flexible quasi-solid-state RZABs, illustrating outstanding battery performance with high energy density, robust durability with low rate of energy loss and favorable flexibility. This work brings a useful strategy to fabricate low-cost and efficient electrodes without using any polymeric binders and noble metal for metal air batteries and other related fields.