In Situ Construction of Perovskite Pr0.5Ba0.5Mn0.8Co0.1Ru0.1O2.5+δ/CoRu Nanoparticles with Co–N–C Composite Enabling Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Zinc-Air Batteries

Graphical A ZAB with Co–N–C–PBMCRO cathodic catalyst achieves a remarkable cycling stability for 788 h. The perovskite Pr 0.5 Ba 0.5 Mn 0.8 Co 0.1 Ru 0.1 O 2.5+δ (PBMCRO) composite was constructed by in situ exsolved CoRu nanoparticles and Co–N–C with more exposing active sites. A conductive pathway for oxygen ions and electrons was built, thereby enhancing the electrochemical bifunctional properties. This rational design strategy shows great potential for facilitating synthesis of perovskite based catalysts for energy conversion and storage applications. Bifunctional catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are essential components of rechargeable zinc-air batteries. In this study, we synthesized a Pr 0.5 Ba 0.5 Mn 0.8 Co 0.1 Ru 0.1 O 2.5+δ (PBMCRO) perovskite composite with in situ exsolved CoRu nanoparticles and Co–N–C, functioning as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for zinc-air batteries. The in situ exsolution of CoRu nanoparticles from the perovskite oxide was facilitated by the reducing action of 2-methylimidazole (2-MIM). Concurrently, Co–N–C was used to decorate PBMCRO, forming a novel bifunctional composite electrode of Co–N–C–PBMCRO. The incorporation of CoRu nanoparticles introduces a significant number of electrochemically active oxygen vacancies in the perovskite matrix, enhancing ORR and OER performance. Additionally, the Co–N–C synergistically improves electrochemical activity while preserving the structural stability of the perovskite oxide. The prepared Co–N–C–PBMCRO catalyst demonstrates significantly enhanced bifunctional performance compared to the undecorated pristine perovskite Pr 0.5 Ba 0.5 MnO 3−δ (PBMO). The zinc-air battery with Co–N–C–PBMCRO catalyst achieve a peak power density of approximately 90 mW/cm 2 and exhibit remarkable cycling stability for 788 h. This study presents a novel and effective strategy to enhance the catalytic performance of perovskite-based air electrodes for rechargeable metal-air batteries.