Hybrid electrospun fibers with metal-based catalysts for zinc-air battery: Recent development and future perspectives

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), offering benefits such as higher energy density, enhanced safety, and the use of cost-effective, environmentally friendly materials. However, the slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the air cathode significantly hinder their efficiency and long-term performance. To overcome these challenges, metal-based hybrid electrospun fibers have been developed as advanced electrocatalysts for ZABs. By combining transition metals with carbon-based materials and dopants, hybrid fibers exhibit superior bifunctional catalytic activity, stability, and scalability. These attributes enhance electron and ion transport, increase active site accessibility, and ensure durable performance under demanding operational conditions. This review discusses the design, synthesis, and application of metal-based hybrid electrospun fibers for ZABs, highlighting their potential to accelerate ORR and OER kinetics while maintaining structural integrity. The challenges associated with reaction mechanisms, material stability, and scalable manufacturing are critically examined, with recommendations for future research directions. Advanced characterization techniques, defect engineering, and machine learning-driven material design are identified as key strategies for optimizing these systems. In the end, the future development direction of these fibers is summarized and can revolutionize ZABs, contributing to a future powered by cleaner, more sustainable energy.