Asymmetrically coupled Co Single-atom and Co nanoparticle in Double-shelled Carbon-based nanoreactor for enhanced reversible oxygen catalysis

A unique double-shelled carbon-based nanobox integrated with size-asymmetric Co single-atom (CoSA) and metallic Co nanoparticle (CoNP) moiety was designed and developed for enhanced reversible oxygen catalysis. [Display omitted] •CoSA sites and CoNP moiety are simultaneously anchored into the carbon matrix.•Strong interaction between the size-asymmetric Co sites boosts the ORR/OER kinetics.•This nanoreactor as a reversible oxygen catalyst in rechargeable ZAB. Simultaneous construction of size-asymmetric metal single atoms and nanoparticle active sites in advanced and robust carrier materials is particularly important yet challenging for efficient reversible oxygen catalysis. Herein, a facile “chemical etching/in-Situ capture” synthesis strategy was developed to fabricate a unique double-shelled carbon-based nanobox integrated with size-asymmetric Co single-atom (CoSA) and metallic Co nanoparticle (CoNP) moiety. As expected, this well-managed catalyst product yielded remarkable bifunctional electrocatalytic performances in alkaline electrolytes, with a decent half-wave potential of 0.886 V for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and a small overpotential of 341 mV at 10 mA/cm2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Besides, this nanobox catalyst served as a cost-effective and efficient oxygen electrode in the assembled rechargeable ZABs, exceeding the mixed electrocatalyst of expensive Pt/C-RuO2, in terms of the elevated peak power density of 239 mW/cm2, the promoted specific capacity of 770 mAh/gZn, as well as the appreciable charge–discharge cycle stability. Theoretical calculations revealed that the strong interaction between the delicate CoSA site and CoNP phase, could effectively optimize the adsorption and desorption energy barriers of reaction intermediates on the designed catalyst surface, thus achieving synergistic enhancement of electrocatalytic activity towards ORR and OER. This finding affords a feasible and effective strategy to achieve highly active and durable bifunctional catalysts for both fundamental research and practical rechargeable ZABs applications.