The lack of adequate bifunctional catalysts
Research gap analysis derived from 5 chemistry papers in our local library.
The gap
The lack of adequate bifunctional catalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries. The contradictory gas-liquid-solid three-phase interfaces in the air cathode. The limited understanding of the catalytic reaction thermodynamics and kinetics.
Evidence profile
Sourced from the abstract and stated research gap of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2024 and 2026, spanning 5 journals. Those papers have been cited 140 times in total.
Research trend
Established — well-defined area with open sub-problems.
Supporting evidence — 5 representative gaps
- Reconstructing the Coordination Environment of Fe/Co Dual‐atom Sites towards Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalysis for Zn–Air Batteries (2024) · Angewandte Chemie International Edition · cited 56× · doi
Abstract Dual‐atom catalysts with nitrogen‐coordinated metal sites embedded in carbon can drive the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER) in rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs), and the further improvement is limited by the linear scaling relationship of intermediate binding energies in the absorbate evolution mechanism (AEM).
generalabstractevidence 5/5Keywords: evolution abstract dual atom catalysts nitrogen coordinated metal sites embedded carbon drive oxygen reduction reactions - Sustainable zinc-air batteries: advances, challenges, and opportunities (2026) · Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering · doi
The initial research on ZABs faced challenges due to poor chemical reactions on the zinc anode and slow oxygen reaction rates, - There is a need for innovative solutions to address the current challenges hindering the development of rechargeable Zn-air batteries.
generalstated research gapevidence 5/5Keywords: initial research zabs faced challenges due poor chemical - Understanding the active site in chameleon-like bifunctional catalyst for practical rechargeable zinc-air batteries (2024) · Nature Communications · cited 84× · doi
The lack of adequate bifunctional catalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries. The contradictory gas-liquid-solid three-phase interfaces in the air cathode. The limited understanding of the catalytic reaction thermodynamics and kinetics.
generalstated research gapevidence 5/5Keywords: lack adequate bifunctional catalysts rechargeable zinc-air batteries contradictory - Pt 1 Co alloy nanoparticles confined in N-doped carbon nanotubes: An efficient oxygen reduction catalyst for long-lasting rechargeable Zn–air battery (2026) · Nano Research · doi
The lack of efficient oxygen reduction catalysts for long-lasting rechargeable Zn–air batteries. The limitations of Pt-based catalysts in terms of adsorption of OOH* intermediates. The need for a catalyst that can facilitate the 4e- pathway with high efficiency.
generalstated research gapevidence 5/5Keywords: lack efficient oxygen reduction catalysts long-lasting rechargeable air - Topological Defect‐Engineered Cu/N–C Catalysts for Zinc‐Air Battery With Ultra‐Stable Cycling Over 2000 h at High Current Densities (2026) · Advanced Energy Materials · doi
ABSTRACT Developing zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) for high‐current‐density operation is critical for high‐power applications, yet remains limited by the lack of electrocatalysts that integrate high activity, durability, and low cost.
generalabstractevidence 4/5Keywords: high abstract developing zinc batteries zabs current density operation critical power applications remains limited lack
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