Multi-functional N, P, S-doped carbon-based catalysts inspired by Chinese traditional fireworks for electrocatalytic reactions in zinc-air battery and water electrolysis device

In this work, inspired by Chinese traditional fireworks, a series of N, P, S-doped carbon-based catalysts are prepared by a facile deflagration method which are further employed for electrocatalytic reactions in zinc-air battery and water electrolysis device. The successful doping of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur atoms into different carbon substrates matrix as well as its effect on the structure is identified by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectra, N₂ isotherms, and small angle X-ray scattering. The reaction performance of the prepared catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and hydrogen evolution reaction is further evaluated while N, P, S-doped carbon nanotube (NPS−CNT) demonstrates the best activity and stability which is comparable with commercial Pt/C and IrO₂. The reaction mechanism is also revealed by Density Functional Theory calculations while the doping of phosphorus plays the critical role. The application of prepared NPS−CNT in zinc air battery and water electrolysis device as electrode catalytic material is further explored, which exhibits excellent performance, providing alternative for the expensive precious metal-based catalysts. This work demonstrates an interesting attempt to improve modern technology by learning experience from traditional crafts, which may help our community in the future.