Mn Loaded ZIF-8 Derived Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Electrode in Metal Air Batteries

Abstract

The challenges of global warming and a lack of power are both being exacerbated by our increased reliance on these sources. Utilizing renewable energy sources for power generation and storage must be prioritized and emphasized. One of the cutting-edge technologies being investigated for energy storage applications is the metal-air battery, which is the subject of this study. The parts of a battery type called a "metal-air battery" (MAB) include an external air cathode, a pure metal anode, and an electrolyte that can be either aqueous or aprotic. MABs are regularly heralded as the electrochemical energy storage of the future for applications like grid storage or electric car energy storage due to their allegedly superior energy densities. New energy storage technologies are in demand, and these MABs can meet that demand. The usage of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts has been extensively tested during the previous ten years. Experimentation has been carried out by synthesizing Manganese based and pure ZIF8 MOFS along with their composites comprising of reduced graphene oxide of (1,3 and 5) wt% rGO. And characterization of these samples was carried out using SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD and RAMAN. The synergistic interaction of the MOF and the rGO composites has increased the efficiency of the electrochemical process. Chronopotentiometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry, and cyclic voltammetry were all used to examine the materials' electrochemical performance. It was concluded when electrochemical testing was carried out on these samples that the 5 wt% rGO/Mn-ZIF8 MOF composites showed significantly greater OER catalytic activity compared to the other individual components. Amazing strength, wonderful electrocatalytic activity, and tolerable stability in alkaline conditions were all characteristics of the improved composite.