Zinc anode deterioration in aqueous electrolytes, and Zn dendrite growth is a major concern in the operation of aqueous rechargeable Zn metal batteries (AZMBs). To tackle this the replacement of aqueous electrolytes with a zinc hydrogel polymer electrolyte (ZHPE) is presented in this study. This method involves structural modifications of the ZHPE by phytic acid through an ultraviolet (UV) light-induced photopolymerization process. The high membrane flexibility, high ionic conductivity (0.08 S cm-1), improved zinc corrosion overpotential, and enhanced electrochemical stability value of ~2.0 V vs Zn|Zn2+ show the great potential of ZHPE as an ideal gel electrolyte for rechargeable zinc metal hydrogel batteries (ZMHBs).

The rational design of noble metal-free electrocatalysts holds great promise for cost-effective green hydrogen generation through water electrolysis. In this context, here, we demonstrate the development of a superhydrophilic bifunctional electrocatalyst, that facilitates both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline conditions. This has been achieved through the in-situ growth of hierarchical NiMoO4 @CoMoO4.xH2O nanostructure on nickel foam (NF) via. a two-step hydrothermal synthesis method. NiMoO4@CoMoO4.xH2O/NF facilitates OER and HER at the overpotentials of 180 and 220 mV, respectively, at the current density of 10 mA cm-2 .

This paper has been recommended as one of the HOT ARTICLES in March 2015 by the Editor.