Co3O4 nanoparticles anchored in MnO2 nanorods as efficient oxygen reduction reaction catalyst for metal-air batteries

Abstract Electrocatalysts with high oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity are essential to enhance the performance of metal-air batteries. Herein, we have developed Co3O4 nanocrystals anchored on MnO2 nanorods, synthesized from a two-step hydrothermal method. The well-dispersed Co3O4 nanoparticles are attached onto the surface of MnO2 nanorods. Interestingly, compared with those electrocatalysts, MnO2 nanorods and Co3O4 naoparticles, Co3O4/MnO2 nanorods hybrid material demonstrates much higher ORR catalytic activity and high stability, suggesting a synergy coupling effect between Co3O4 nanoparticles and MnO2 nanorod. The great performance of the Zn-air and Al-air batteries fabricated by Co3O4/MnO2 nanorods hybrid material as catalyst suggests aforesaid hybrid catalyst is a relatively inexpensive and applicative solution for applications.