Interstitial cobalt nitrides (CoxN): holistic frontiers in energy storage and catalysis

Abstract

Cobalt nitrides (Co_xN), with their distinctive interstitial structures, are a family of inexpensive and readily available materials with remarkable versatility for electrochemical energy storage and catalysis. For a variety of applications, including energy storage (lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), supercapacitors (SCs), rechargeable zinc–air batteries (RZABs)) and electrocatalysis (hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)), their unique physicochemical properties, such as flexible oxidation states, tunable electrical conductivity, and metallic characteristics, make them appealing. The increase in research publications on Co_xN-based materials in recent years indicates an increased interest in these materials. Nevertheless, despite their revolutionary potential, no thorough and critical analyses have taken into account their multifunctionality in energy conversion and storage technologies. By offering a current overview of rational fabrication techniques for Co_xN-based materials, with an emphasis on modifying their morphologies and compositions to maximize their performance as electrodes and electrocatalysts, this review seeks to close this gap. Additionally, this work sheds light on the links between the structure, property, and performance of Co_xN-based materials and makes recommendations for future research areas to create energy solutions that are more sustainable, long-lasting, and efficient.