Two-dimensional π-π conjugated hybrid material PEDOT/graphene catalyzed cathode for zinc-air battery

The development of highly active and stable metal-free non-platinum-group metal electrocatalysts (Non-PGMs) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for metal-air batteries. Herein, a two-dimensional (2D) planar conjugated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxothiophene) (PEDOT)/reduced graphene oxide(rGO) (P-rGO) hybrid materials with pure monolayer structure was synthesized. A series of physical and electrochemical characterization indicate that the PEDOT embedded in rGO increases the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and structural defects, the exposed specific surface area promotes the adsorption of O2, the active sites facilitate the ORR kinetics, and the - conjugation between PEDOT and rGO affects the performance of P-rGO. In addition, the P-rGO outperforms a commercial 20wt% Pt/C in zinc-air battery (ZAB) with higher power density and stability, suggesting that the P-rGO has excellent overall performances enhances in the catalytic activity, long-term stability toward ORR. This study provides a novel avenue for development of metal free ORR catalysts.