A composite air electrode consisting of Ketjenblack carbon (KB) supported amorphous manganese oxide (MnOx) nanowires, synthesized via a polyol method, is highly efficient for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a Zn-air battery. The low-cost and highly conductive KB in this composite electrode overcomes the limitations due to low electrical conductivity of MnOx while acting as a supporting matrix for the catalyst. The large surface area of the amorphous MnOx nanowires, together with other microscopic features (e.g., high density of surface defects), potentially offers more active sites for oxygen adsorption, thus significantly enhancing ORR activity. In particular, a Zn-air battery based on this composite air electrode exhibits a peak power density of ∼190 mW/cm2, which is far superior to those based on a commercial air cathode with Mn3O4 catalysts.

Inspired by the tetrapod structures of a breakwater, a highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution has been created from low‐cost, commercial melamine foam and ketjenblack. The unique porous architecture greatly facilitates rapid mass transport, while the N‐doped ketjenblack and Fe/Fe3C‐functionalized surface of the framework dramatically enhance the ORR activity.

Die Tetrapodenstruktur eines Wellenbrechers diente als Inspiration für die Synthese eines hocheffizienten Elektrokatalysators der Sauerstoffreduktion (ORR) aus preiswertem kommerziellem Melaminschaum und dem Ruß Ketjenblack. Seine Porosität erleichtert den Stofftransport, und der N‐dotierte Ketjenblack sowie die Fe/Fe3C‐funktionalisierte Gerüstoberfläche verstärken die ORR‐Aktivität drastisch.

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