Sub-5 nm ZnCoS shell on Co core via chemical vapor reconstruction: ultra-thin heterointerface enabling efficient oxygen electrocatalysis in zinc-air batteries

Abstract

Sub-5 nm ZnCoS shells on Co cores in N/S-doped carbon (Co@ZCS/NSC) are engineered via chemical vapor reconstruction of ZnS. Ultrathin-shelled heterostructures induce quantum confinement effects, amplifying Schottky junction-driven charge transfer and electron accumulation. Synergy with high-valent Co species enhances oxygen electrocatalysis, delivering 0.83 V ORR and 390 mV OER at 10 mA cm⁻2. Zinc-air batteries achieve 796 mA h g⁻1 capacity and 450 h stability.