Ultrafine Ir nanoparticles anchored on carbon nanotubes as efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysts for Zn–air batteries

Abstract

Ultrafine iridium particles anchored on nitrogen-doped CNTs were obtained from Ir(ppy)₃ and CNTs using a simple annealing method and acted as highly efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysts for Zn–air batteries. A synergistic effect, efficient *OH adsorption and rapid *OOH deprotonation were demonstrated from in situ FTIR spectroscopy, EIS and activation energy measurements.