Graphitic‐shell encapsulated FeNi alloy/nitride nanocrystals on biomass‐derived N‐doped carbon as an efficient electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn‐air battery

Oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OERs) catalysts play a key role in the metal‐air battery and water‐splitting process. Herein, we developed a facile template‐free method to fabricate a new type of non–noble metal‐based hybrid catalyst which consists of binary FeNi alloy/nitride nanocrystals with graphitic‐shell and biomass‐derived N‐doped carbon (NC) (FexNiyN@C/NC). This novel nanostructure exhibits superior performance for ORR/OER, which can be attributed to the strong interactions between the graphitic‐shell encapsulated FeNi alloy/nitride nanocrystals and the N‐doped porous carbon substrate. The X‐ray absorption spectroscopy technique was employed to reveal the underlying mechanisms for the excellent performance. The assembled Zn‐air battery device exhibits outstanding charging/discharging performance and cycling stability, indicating the great potential of this type of novel catalysts. Benefitting from the strong synergetic effects between graphite‐coated FexNiyN nanocrystals and the N‐doped porous carbon, the assembled hybrid material can significantly promote the electrocatalytic reaction kinetics and stability for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It exhibits promising potential as a stable bifunctional catalyst for rechargeable Zn‐air battery due to the strong corrosion resistance and excellent conductivity.