Mn3O4 nanoparticle-decorated hollow mesoporous carbon spheres as an efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in Zn–air batteries

Abstract

Hybrids of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles and hollow carbon spheres prepared from templated pyrolysis of polydopamine were assembled via a straightforward sonication procedure. The resulting hybrids exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in prototype Zn–air batteries. Impressively, these catalysts exhibit higher discharge potential and exceptional stability when compared to commercial Pt–Ru catalysts while simultaneously showing comparable onset potential and maximum current density.