April 7, 2026

Zinc-Air Batteries Breakthrough: How Light-Assisted Technology is Revolutionizing Energy Storage for Renewables

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Zinc-Air Batteries Breakthrough: How Light-Assisted Technology is Revolutionizing Energy Storage for Renewables
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Zinc-Air Batteries Breakthrough: Light-Assisted, Flexible Energy Storage for Renewable Energy

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Zinc-Air Batteries Breakthrough: Light-Assisted, Flexible Energy Storage for Renewable Energy

Zinc-air batteries are rechargeable systems that convert chemical energy from zinc and oxygen into electrical power. These innovative energy storage devices are emerging as game-changers in the quest for efficient, safe, and affordable renewable energy solutions.

Recent technological advancements have transformed zinc-air batteries through flexible battery designs and light-assisted electrocatalysis. Researchers at Donghua University in China have pioneered a breakthrough approach that combines photo-electrocatalysis with advanced materials engineering. This innovation uses a p-n heterojunction catalyst to dramatically improve the oxygen reduction reaction, extending battery life beyond 1,100 hours while delivering exceptional power density.

This post explores how light-assisted zinc-air batteries work, the science behind p-n heterojunction catalysts, and their potential applications in renewable energy and energy storage systems. Whether you’re interested in grid-scale energy storage or flexible batteries for wearable electronics, this breakthrough represents a significant leap forward in sustainable power technology.

Fundamentals of Zinc-Air Batteries and Electrochemical Reactions

Battery Architecture and Reaction Mechanisms

Zinc-air batteries consist of three key components that work together to store and release electrical energy.

The Anode

The anode is made of metallic zinc. During discharge, zinc oxidizes according to this reaction:

Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻

This oxidation releases electrons that flow through an external circuit to power devices.

The Electrolyte

The electrolyte is typically an alkaline solution such as potassium hydroxide (KOH). This solution transports hydroxide ions (OH⁻) between the electrodes. The alkaline environment supports the chemical reactions needed for energy storage and release.

The Air Cathode

The air cathode is a porous, gas-diffusion electrode. Oxygen from surrounding air participates in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at this electrode. The porous structure allows air to flow in while keeping the liquid electrolyte contained.

Discharge Reactions

During discharge, two main reactions occur:

At the cathode, oxygen undergoes reduction:

O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻ → 4OH⁻

At the anode, zinc oxidizes and interacts with hydroxide ions:

Zn + 4OH⁻ → Zn(OH)₄²⁻ + 2e⁻

This zinc complex can then precipitate or decompose to zinc oxide (ZnO) depending on conditions.

Charging Reactions

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries reverse these processes during charging. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) occurs at the air electrode:

4OH⁻ → O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻

Primary Advantages

  • Very high theoretical energy density of approximately 1,086 Wh kg⁻¹, surpassing many lithium-ion systems
  • Enhanced safety with non-flammable aqueous electrolytes instead of organic solvents
  • Cost-efficiency thanks to abundant, inexpensive zinc
  • Environmental friendliness compared to heavy metals used in other battery technologies
  • Stable operation under diverse conditions

Key Challenges

  • Slow reaction kinetics for both ORR and OER at the air electrode
  • High overpotentials that reduce round-trip efficiency
  • Rapid degradation from carbonate formation and electrode flooding
  • Limited catalyst durability during repeated charge-discharge cycles

Research from Donghua University addresses these challenges head-on. Traditional zinc-air batteries suffer from sluggish oxygen electrochemistry that leads to inefficiencies and shortened lifespan. The breakthrough discussed in this article provides practical solutions by harnessing light energy to accelerate critical reactions and improve overall battery performance.

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Advancements in Light-Assisted, Long-Life Zinc-Air Batteries

Overview of Technological Breakthroughs

The integration of a p-n heterojunction catalyst into zinc-air batteries represents a major innovation in flexible batteries and photo-electrocatalysis. This approach combines light absorption with electrocatalysis in a single, unified system.

Catalyst Engineering

Researchers designed the catalyst with three critical components:

Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C₃N₄)

This n-type semiconductor absorbs visible light and generates electron-hole pairs. When light hits the g-C₃N₄, electrons get excited from the valence band to the conduction band, creating charge carriers that drive chemical reactions.

Carbon Nanofiber (CNF) Network

The CNF network serves as a conductive scaffold with p-type-like behavior. This three-dimensional structure provides:

  • Excellent electrical conductivity
  • Mechanical support for flexible batteries
  • Hosting sites for active catalytic centers
  • Durability under repeated bending

Dual Cobalt Active Sites

Embedded within the carbon nanofiber network, these cobalt sites serve as electrocatalytic centers. They optimize the binding energies for oxygen intermediates, supporting both the oxygen reduction reaction during discharge and oxygen evolution reaction during charging.

Performance Improvements Under Illumination

When light illuminates this p-n heterojunction catalyst, performance metrics soar:

Liquid-Type Zinc-Air Battery Performance

  • Peak power density reaches approximately 310 mW cm⁻²
  • Cycling stability exceeds 1,100 hours (more than 45 days)
  • Minimal voltage decay throughout extended operation
  • Significantly improved energy efficiency

Flexible Zinc-Air Battery Performance

  • Peak power density of approximately 96 mW cm⁻²
  • Stable performance under repeated bending
  • Consistent operation at various bending angles
  • Mechanical robustness for wearable applications

The Mechanism Behind the Performance

Light excitation in g-C₃N₄ drives charge separation at the p-n junction interface. Here’s how it works:

  1. Photons strike the g-C₃N₄ semiconductor
  2. Electrons jump to the conduction band, leaving holes in the valence band
  3. The internal electric field at the p-n junction separates these charges
  4. Electrons flow toward the carbon nanofiber network and cobalt sites
  5. This electron flow accelerates the oxygen reduction reaction
  6. Holes remain near the g-C₃N₄ or adjacent cobalt sites
  7. These holes facilitate the oxygen evolution reaction during charging

This charge separation reduces overpotentials—the extra voltage needed to drive reactions. Lower overpotentials mean:

  • Higher battery efficiency
  • Less energy wasted as heat
  • Longer operational lifetime
  • Better round-trip energy storage

Material Advantages

The catalyst uses earth-abundant materials with exceptional theoretical energy density. The light-assisted mechanism reduces the energy barriers for critical reactions without requiring precious metals like platinum.

Under illumination, the charge-discharge voltage gap shrinks dramatically. This narrower gap translates directly to improved efficiency and more usable energy from each charge cycle.

The system achieves stable charge-discharge operation for more than 1,100 hours with minimal performance decline. This exceptional longevity stems from the distributed reaction sites and reduced localized degradation.

Research findings from Donghua University demonstrate that peak power density reaches approximately 310 mW cm⁻² under optimized illumination conditions. The flexible battery variants maintain approximately 96 mW cm⁻² even when bent repeatedly—a remarkable achievement for mechanical compliance combined with electrochemical performance.

These performance metrics position light-assisted zinc-air batteries among the most promising candidates for renewable energy storage and portable power applications.

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Technical Deep Dive: Catalyst Design & Mechanistic Insights

Explanation of Catalyst Components and Structure

Understanding the precise architecture of the p-n heterojunction catalyst reveals why it achieves such impressive performance in photo-electrocatalysis and flexible batteries.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C₃N₄) Properties

Graphitic carbon nitride serves as the light-harvesting component with specific characteristics:

  • N-type semiconductor with suitable band positions for oxygen reduction reaction
  • Broad visible-light absorption spanning much of the solar spectrum
  • Chemical stability in harsh alkaline environments that would degrade many semiconductors
  • Metal-free composition reducing cost and environmental concerns
  • Tunable bandgap through doping or structural modifications

The conduction band of g-C₃N₄ aligns favorably to transfer electrons for the oxygen reduction reaction. Meanwhile, its valence band supports oxidative processes needed for the oxygen evolution reaction.

Carbon Nanofiber (CNF) Network Architecture

The carbon nanofiber network provides critical functions beyond simple electrical conductivity:

  • Structural Benefits
  • Self-supporting three-dimensional framework
  • Porous structure allowing oxygen and electrolyte access
  • Mechanical integrity under stress, compression, and repeated bending
  • Functional Advantages
  • High surface area for catalyst dispersion
  • Efficient charge collection from photoactive sites
  • Rapid electron transport to external circuit
  • Resistance to mechanical fatigue in flexible batteries

The CNF network maintains both structural integrity and electrical conductivity even when the battery bends or deforms. This mechanical robustness makes it ideal for wearable electronics and other flexible applications.

Dual Cobalt Active Sites Configuration

The cobalt active sites represent the electrocatalytic heart of the system:

Possible Configurations

  • Co-N-C coordination motifs where cobalt atoms bond to nitrogen in the carbon matrix
  • Cobalt nanoparticles providing clustered active sites
  • Cobalt oxides or hydroxides forming during operation
  • Atomically dispersed cobalt centers for maximum efficiency

Bifunctional Capability

These cobalt sites are engineered to optimize binding energies for oxygen-containing intermediates:

  • O* (atomic oxygen)
  • OH* (hydroxyl groups)
  • OOH* (peroxide intermediates)

By tuning these binding energies, the same sites efficiently catalyze both oxygen reduction reaction during discharge and oxygen evolution reaction during charging.

P-N Heterojunction Formation

The interface between components creates the critical p-n heterojunction:

Junction Architecture

  • The g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (n-type) intimately contact the carbon nanofiber network with embedded cobalt sites. This contact region behaves as a p-n junction due to:
  • Different work functions between materials
  • Charge transfer at the interface
  • Formation of an internal electric field
  • Built-in potential that drives charge separation

Charge Dynamics Under Illumination

  1. Photons strike the g-C₃N₄ semiconductor
  2. Electrons jump to the conduction band, leaving holes in the valence band
  3. The internal electric field at the p-n junction separates these charges
  4. Electrons flow toward the carbon nanofiber network and cobalt sites
  5. This electron flow accelerates the oxygen reduction reaction
  6. Holes remain near the g-C₃N₄ or adjacent cobalt sites
  7. These holes facilitate the oxygen evolution reaction during charging

This charge separation reduces overpotentials—the extra voltage needed to drive reactions. Lower overpotentials mean:

  • Higher battery efficiency
  • Less energy wasted as heat
  • Longer operational lifetime
  • Better round-trip energy storage

Material Advantages

The catalyst uses earth-abundant materials with exceptional theoretical energy density. The light-assisted mechanism reduces the energy barriers for critical reactions without requiring precious metals like platinum.

Under illumination, the charge-discharge voltage gap shrinks dramatically. This narrower gap translates directly to improved efficiency and more usable energy from each charge cycle.

The system achieves stable charge-discharge operation for more than 1,100 hours with minimal performance decline. This exceptional longevity stems from the distributed reaction sites and reduced localized degradation.

Research findings from Donghua University demonstrate that peak power density reaches approximately 310 mW cm⁻² under optimized illumination conditions. The flexible battery variants maintain approximately 96 mW cm⁻² even when bent repeatedly—a remarkable achievement for mechanical compliance combined with electrochemical performance.

These performance metrics position light-assisted zinc-air batteries among the most promising candidates for renewable energy storage and portable power applications.

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Technical Deep Dive: Catalyst Design & Mechanistic Insights

Explanation of Catalyst Components and Structure

Understanding the precise architecture of the p-n heterojunction catalyst reveals why it achieves such impressive performance in photo-electrocatalysis and flexible batteries.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C₃N₄) Properties

Graphitic carbon nitride serves as the light-harvesting component with specific characteristics:

  • N-type semiconductor with suitable band positions for oxygen reduction reaction
  • Broad visible-light absorption spanning much of the solar spectrum
  • Chemical stability in harsh alkaline environments that would degrade many semiconductors
  • Metal-free composition reducing cost and environmental concerns
  • Tunable bandgap through doping or structural modifications

The conduction band of g-C₃N₄ aligns favorably to transfer electrons for the oxygen reduction reaction. Meanwhile, its valence band supports oxidative processes needed for the oxygen evolution reaction.

Carbon Nanofiber (CNF) Network Architecture

The carbon nanofiber network provides critical functions beyond simple electrical conductivity:

  • Structural Benefits
  • Self-supporting three-dimensional framework
  • Porous structure allowing oxygen and electrolyte access
  • Mechanical integrity under stress, compression, and repeated bending
  • Functional Advantages
  • High surface area for catalyst dispersion
  • Efficient charge collection from photoactive sites
  • Rapid electron transport to external circuit
  • Resistance to mechanical fatigue in flexible batteries

The CNF network maintains both structural integrity and electrical conductivity even when the battery bends or deforms. This mechanical robustness makes it ideal for wearable electronics and other flexible applications.

Dual Cobalt Active Sites Configuration

The cobalt active sites represent the electrocatalytic heart of the system:

Possible Configurations

  • Co-N-C coordination motifs where cobalt atoms bond to nitrogen in the carbon matrix
  • Cobalt nanoparticles providing clustered active sites
  • Cobalt oxides or hydroxides forming during operation
  • Atomically dispersed cobalt centers for maximum efficiency

Bifunctional Capability

These cobalt sites are engineered to optimize binding energies for oxygen-containing intermediates:

  • O* (atomic oxygen)
  • OH* (hydroxyl groups)
  • OOH* (peroxide intermediates)

By tuning these binding energies, the same sites efficiently catalyze both oxygen reduction reaction during discharge and oxygen evolution reaction during charging.

P-N Heterojunction Formation

The interface between components creates the critical p-n heterojunction:

Junction Architecture

  • The g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (n-type) intimately contact the carbon nanofiber network with embedded cobalt sites. This contact region behaves as a p-n junction due to:
  • Different work functions between materials
  • Charge transfer at the interface
  • Formation of an internal electric field
  • Built-in potential that drives charge separation

Charge Dynamics Under Illumination

  1. Photons strike the g-C₃N₄ semiconductor
  2. Electrons jump to the conduction band, leaving holes in the valence band
  3. The internal electric field at the p-n junction separates these charges
  4. Electrons flow toward the carbon nanofiber network and cobalt sites
  5. This electron flow accelerates the oxygen reduction reaction
  6. Holes remain near the g-C₃N₄ or adjacent cobalt sites
  7. These holes facilitate the oxygen evolution reaction during charging

This charge separation reduces overpotentials—the extra voltage needed to drive reactions. Lower overpotentials mean:

  • Higher battery efficiency
  • Less energy wasted as heat
  • Longer operational lifetime
  • Better round-trip energy storage

Material Advantages

The catalyst uses earth-abundant materials with exceptional theoretical energy density. The light-assisted mechanism reduces the energy barriers for critical reactions without requiring precious metals like platinum.

Under illumination, the charge-discharge voltage gap shrinks dramatically. This narrower gap translates directly to improved efficiency and more usable energy from each charge cycle.

The system achieves stable charge-discharge operation for more than 1,100 hours with minimal performance decline. This exceptional longevity stems from the distributed reaction sites and reduced localized degradation.

Research findings from Donghua University demonstrate that peak power density reaches approximately 310 mW cm⁻² under optimized illumination conditions. The flexible battery variants maintain approximately 96 mW cm⁻² even when bent repeatedly—a remarkable achievement for mechanical compliance combined with electrochemical performance.

These performance metrics position light-assisted zinc-air batteries among the most promising candidates for renewable energy storage and portable power applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the key components and reaction mechanisms of zinc-air batteries?

A: Zinc-air batteries contain three main components working together for energy storage. The anode is metallic zinc that oxidizes during discharge (Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻), releasing electrons to power devices. The electrolyte is typically an alkaline solution like potassium hydroxide (KOH) that transports hydroxide ions (OH⁻) between electrodes. The air cathode is a porous gas-diffusion electrode where oxygen from air participates in the oxygen reduction reaction.

During discharge, oxygen undergoes reduction at the cathode (O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻ → 4OH⁻) while zinc oxidizes at the anode. During charging, these reactions reverse—the oxygen evolution reaction occurs at the air electrode (4OH⁻ → O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻) and zinc is deposited back at the anode. This reversible chemistry enables rechargeable energy storage with very high theoretical energy density of approximately 1,086 Wh kg⁻¹.

Q: How does the p-n heterojunction catalyst improve battery performance?

A: The p-n heterojunction catalyst combines three elements: graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) as an n-type semiconductor, a carbon nanofiber (CNF) network with p-type-like behavior, and dual cobalt active sites for electrocatalysis. When light hits the g-C₃N₄, it generates electron-hole pairs. The internal electric field at the p-n junction separates these charges—electrons flow to the cobalt sites to drive the oxygen reduction reaction, while holes facilitate the oxygen evolution reaction during charging.

This charge separation reduces overpotentials (extra voltage needed for reactions) and improves efficiency. Under illumination, the system achieves peak power density of approximately 310 mW cm⁻² and cycling stability exceeding 1,100 hours. The spatial separation of reaction sites prevents charge recombination, ensuring more absorbed light energy drives useful chemistry rather than being lost as heat. This photo-electrocatalysis approach dramatically enhances both power output and longevity compared to conventional zinc-air batteries.

Q: What benefits do flexible batteries offer for wearable electronics?

A: Flexible batteries based on the carbon nanofiber network maintain both mechanical robustness and electrochemical performance under repeated bending and various bending angles. The CNF scaffold provides structural integrity while ensuring continuous electron pathways even when deformed. These flexible zinc-air batteries achieve approximately 96 mW cm⁻² peak power density while bent, making them suitable for practical wearable devices.

Applications include health monitoring devices like continuous glucose monitors and fitness trackers that conform to body contours, flexible displays for rollable screens and bendable smartphones, smart clothing with embedded energy storage, and soft robotics requiring compliant power sources. The combination of mechanical flexibility, safety from aqueous electrolytes, and adequate power density enables next-generation wearable electronics that were previously impractical with rigid battery technologies.

Q: How do the performance metrics compare with conventional zinc-air batteries?

A: Traditional rechargeable zinc-air batteries without noble metals typically deliver power densities in the tens to low hundreds of mW cm⁻² with cycling lifetimes of tens to several hundred hours. State-of-the-art research systems with advanced catalysts may approach 200-300 mW cm⁻² and 500-1,000+ hours under controlled conditions.

The light-assisted zinc-air batteries achieve approximately 310 mW cm⁻² peak power density in liquid configurations—at or above the best non-photo-assisted systems. More impressively, they demonstrate cycling stability exceeding 1,100 hours (over 45 days) with minimal voltage decay. For flexible batteries, nearly 100 mW cm⁻² while maintaining mechanical resilience under bending represents a rare combination of high power output and flexibility. These metrics position the technology among the most promising renewable energy storage solutions currently under development.

Q: What role does light play in enhancing battery efficiency?

A: Light illumination activates the photo-electrocatalysis mechanism in the p-n heterojunction catalyst. When photons strike the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), electrons jump from the valence band to the conduction band, creating free electrons and positively charged holes. The internal electric field at the p-n junction separates these charge carriers before they can recombine.

Photogenerated electrons migrate to cobalt active sites where they accelerate the oxygen reduction reaction by increasing local electron density. This lowers the voltage barrier for oxygen chemistry. Simultaneously, photogenerated holes enhance the oxygen evolution reaction during charging by providing extra driving force for oxidizing hydroxide ions. The result is reduced overpotentials, narrower charge-discharge voltage gap, higher efficiency, and improved power density. Essentially, light provides additional energy that makes electrochemical reactions proceed faster and more efficiently than in darkness.

Q: What are the potential future directions for this technology?

A: Future research will explore several pathways to optimize zinc-air batteries. Alternative catalysts using iron, manganese, nickel, or completely metal-free nitrogen-doped carbons could reduce cobalt dependence and lower costs. g-C₃N₄ optimization through doping or heteroatom incorporation may broaden light absorption and improve photostability under long-term solar exposure.

System integration represents an exciting direction—combining zinc-air batteries with photovoltaic modules creates hybrid devices for continuous solar energy capture and storage. Developing protective layers to prevent photo-degradation will enhance durability in real-world conditions. For flexible batteries, advancing toward stretchable and printable formats could enable entirely new applications in wearable electronics and smart textiles. Scaling manufacturing processes to produce large-area electrodes cost-effectively remains crucial for commercial deployment in renewable energy systems.

Q: Are there any limitations to light-assisted zinc-air batteries?

A: Several challenges require further research before widespread deployment. Scalability uncertainties include cobalt cost and supply constraints, challenges in scaling carbon nanofiber production while maintaining quality, and integration with existing battery manufacturing infrastructure. Photostability of g-C₃N₄ under continuous near-UV and visible light in alkaline electrolytes needs long-term validation beyond laboratory conditions.

Operational dependencies on illumination raise questions about nighttime performance and optimal system designs balancing photo-assisted and standard operation. Real-world conditions including temperature fluctuations, humidity variations, and air pollutants like CO₂ may affect performance differently than controlled lab environments. Open scientific questions remain about the microscopic nature and long-term stability of dual cobalt active sites, structural evolution of the p-n junction during thousands of cycles, and charge transfer dynamics under various conditions.

Q: How do zinc-air batteries compare to lithium-ion systems for energy storage?

A: Zinc-air batteries offer several advantages over lithium-ion systems for renewable energy storage. Energy density potential is higher—with theoretical energy density of approximately 1,086 Wh kg⁻¹, zinc-air systems can surpass many lithium-ion chemistries once engineered for practical applications. Safety is significantly better due to aqueous electrolytes instead of flammable organic solvents, eliminating thermal runaway risks that plague lithium-ion cells.

Cost and material availability favor zinc-air batteries—zinc is abundant and inexpensive globally, while lithium and cobalt face supply constraints and geopolitical concerns. Carbon and nitrogen materials cost far less than rare metals. However, lithium-ion batteries currently have more mature manufacturing infrastructure and proven track records in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. The 1,100+ hour cycling stability demonstrated in zinc-air research needs further validation to match the thousands of cycles achieved by commercial lithium-ion systems, but the trajectory is promising for specific applications like grid-scale renewable energy storage.

Q: What makes the carbon nanofiber network important for flexible batteries?

A: The carbon nanofiber (CNF) network serves multiple critical functions enabling flexible battery performance. Structurally, it provides a self-supporting, three-dimensional framework that maintains integrity under bending, compression, and repeated mechanical stress. Unlike brittle materials that crack when flexed, the CNF network maintains continuous electron pathways even when deformed.

Functionally, the CNF network offers high electrical conductivity for rapid charge collection, a porous structure allowing oxygen and electrolyte access to active sites, and mechanical robustness preventing performance degradation during thousands of bending cycles. It also serves as the scaffold hosting dual cobalt active sites for electrocatalysis. In flexible zinc-air batteries, this network enables approximately 96 mW cm⁻² peak power density while maintaining electrochemical performance across various bending angles—essential for wearable electronics, flexible displays, soft robotics, and conformable sensors where mechanical resilience is as important as energy storage capacity.

Q: Why is photo-electrocatalysis significant for renewable energy?

A: Photo-electrocatalysis combines light harvesting with chemical catalysis to improve energy storage efficiency—a natural fit for renewable energy systems dominated by solar power. In the zinc-air batteries breakthrough, photo-electrocatalysis reduces the voltage gap between charge and discharge by lowering overpotentials for both the oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. This means less energy is wasted, more power is delivered, and round-trip efficiency improves.

The integration enables direct solar-to-chemical conversion where the same device captures light energy and stores it electrochemically, reducing conversion losses from separate solar cells and batteries. For renewable energy grids, this translates to more efficient storage of intermittent solar and wind power, supporting stable electricity supply. The concept also enables hybrid photovoltaic-battery modules that could revolutionize distributed energy storage, building-integrated power systems, and off-grid applications. By harnessing abundant sunlight to accelerate critical reactions, photo-electrocatalysis represents a pathway toward highly efficient, sustainable energy storage essential for the global transition to renewable energy.

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