Optimizing the electronic structure of carbon-based NiFe nanoparticles via a vanadium mediated strategy for efficient oxygen reduction catalysts in Zn–air batteries

The V-NiFe@NC catalyst shows good ORR activity and Zn–air battery performances. Its V-doped NiFe substrate effectively activates the outer N-carbon layer as the primary active site, lowering the energy barrier and enhancing catalytic activity.