High-entropy intermetallic/N-doped carbon nanocages with abundant fine carbon nanotubes for greatly enhancing oxygen reduction in zinc-air battery

Developing high-efficiency and stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is critical for practical applications in zinc-air batteries, yet it is still challenging to achieve optimal catalytic activity through structural engineering. Here, CoFeVMnNi high-entropy intermetallic alloy/N-doped carbon nanocages (CoFeVMnNi HEI/CNCs) with abundant carbon nanotubes were fabricated by a one-step pyrolysis method. The structural and electronic properties of the material were characterized by multiple techniques. And its ORR performance was evaluated in details. The CoFeVMnNi HEI/CNCs catalyst achieved an onset potential ( E onset ) of 1.106 V and a half-wave potential ( E ₁ / ₂) of 0.859 V, with minimal E ₁ / ₂ degradation after 2000 cycles. In the catalyst assembled zinc-air battery, it delivered a high open-circuit voltage of 1.58 V, the maximum power density of 163.3 mW cm −2 , and a stable discharge for 378 h, outperforming commercial Pt/C-based system. These results underscore the synergistic effects of the high-entropy alloy and N-doped carbon in enhancing ORR kinetics and durability, offering a promising alternative to precious metal catalysts. This study provides a facile and promising strategy for fabricating multi-functional electrocatalysts, advancing sustainable and efficient energy storage technologies. • The CoFeVMnNi HEI/CNCs was synthesized via simple confinement adsorption and pyrolysis processes. • The nanocages with abundant fine carbon nanotubes exposed more active sites, boosting the interfacial mass/charge transfer. • The catalyst showed outstanding catalytic activity and durability for ORR in Zn-air battery. • The synergistic effects of high-entropy intermetallic and carbon nanocage/nanotubes greatly improved catalysis.