In situ electrodeposited porous Co₃O₄ nanosheets on carbon cloth for high-performance bifunctional catalysis in zinc-air batteries

Developing low-cost, highly operable, and facilely fabricated bifunctional catalysts is essential for advancing zinc-air batteries (ZABs). In this study, Co 3 O 4 nanosheets were synthesized on carbon cloth (CC) via a simple electrodeposition method. The introduction of H 2 O 2 and ethylene glycol created a porous structure, generating defect sites that enhance catalytic performance. The Co 3 O 4 /CC catalyst demonstrates outstanding bifunctional activity, achieving an activity parameter of 0.91 V, which is comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (0.905 V) and RuO 2 (0.912 V). Additionally, it exhibits an ORR onset potential of 0.946 V and a half-wave potential of 0.837 V, as well as an OER onset potential of 1.747 V. These results demonstrate the potential of Co 3 O 4 /CC as a promising catalyst for rechargeable ZABs, indicating its strong potential for application in advanced energy storage technologies.