Zn-ZIF-confined polythiophene-derived uniform dual-doped porous carbon, for boosting oxygen reduction in Zn–air batteries

Zn-ZIF-confined polythiophene was synthesized <i>via</i> solvent-free mechanochemical <i>in situ</i> polymerization of thiophene within Zn-ZIF, followed by controlled carbonization to yield uniform N,S-co-doped porous carbons (N,S-PCs). The resulting N,S-PCs exhibit Pt/C-comparable oxygen reduction activity with superior durability, demonstrating excellent performance as efficient and stable air cathodes in Zn-air batteries.