Abstract
Hybrids of Mn(3)O(4) nanoparticles and hollow carbon spheres prepared from templated pyrolysis of polydopamine were assembled via a straightforward sonication procedure. The resulting hybrids exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in prototype Zn-air batteries. Impressively, these catalysts exhibit higher discharge potential and exceptional stability when compared to commercial Pt-Ru catalysts while simultaneously showing comparable onset potential and maximum current density.