Synergistic Binary Fe–Co Nanocluster Supported on Defective Tungsten Oxide as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst in Zinc-Air Battery

Rational design of metal oxide supported non-precious metals is essential for the development of stable and high-efficiency oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. Here, an efficient ORR catalyst consisting of binary Fe/Co nanoclusters supported by defective tungsten oxide and embedded N-doped carbon layer (NC) with a 3D ordered macroporous architecture (3DOM Fe/Co@NC-WO 2− x ) is developed. The oxygen deficient 3DOM WO 2− x not only serves as a porous and stable support, but also enhances the conductivity and ensures good dispersion of the binary Fe/Co nanocluster, benefiting its ORR catalytic activity. Theoretical calculation shows that there exists a synergistic effect of electron transfer from Fe to Co in the supported binary Fe/Co cluster, promoting the ORR reaction energetics. Accordingly, the 3DOM Fe/Co@NC-WO 2− x catalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity in alkaline medium with a half wave potential ( E 1/2 ) of 0.87 V higher than that of Pt/C (0.85 V). The zinc–air batteries assembled by 3DOM Fe/Co@NC-WO 2− x cathode deliver a higher power density and specific capacity than that of Pt/C. A new strategy of combining synergistic binary-metal nanoclusters and conductive metal oxide support design is provided here to develop efficient and durable ORR electrocatalyst.