Aqueous rechargeable zinc (Zn)–air batteries have recently attracted extensive research interest due to their low cost, environmental benignity, safety, and high energy density. However, the sluggish kinetics of oxygen (O₂) evolution reaction (OER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of cathode catalysts in the batteries result in the high over-potential that impedes the practical application of Zn–air batteries. Here, we report a stable rechargeable aqueous Zn–air battery by use of a heterogeneous two-dimensional molybdenum sulfide (2D MoS₂) cathode catalyst that consists of a heterogeneous interface and defects-embedded active edge sites. Compared to commercial Pt/C-RuO₂, the low cost MoS₂ cathode catalyst shows decent oxygen evolution and acceptable oxygen reduction catalytic activity. The assembled aqueous Zn–air battery using hybrid MoS₂ catalysts demonstrates a specific capacity of 330 mAh g⁻¹ and a durability of 500 cycles (~180 h) at 0.5 mA cm⁻². In particular, the hybrid MoS₂ catalysts outperform commercial Pt/C in the practically meaningful high-current region (>5 mA cm⁻²). This work paves the way for research on improving the performance of aqueous Zn–air batteries by constructing their own heterogeneous surfaces or interfaces instead of constructing bifunctional catalysts by compounding other materials.

Lithium–carbon dioxide (Li-CO₂) batteries have attracted considerable attention due to their high theoretical energy densities and potential for capturing and converting CO₂ toward net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. However, the reversible cycling capability of Li-CO₂ batteries is greatly limited by the sluggish kinetics of the CO₂ evolution reaction (CO₂ER), which leads to excessive charge voltages exceeding 4.0 V, thus significantly hindering the practical advancement of the battery technology. Herein, we report dual-active-site AuRu catalysts supported on TiO₂ nanorod arrays, grown on carbon nanofiber, where TiO₂ layers effectively prevent carbon corrosion and the electronic synergy of the dual active site design comprising Au and Ru can lower the reaction energy barriers of the CO₂RR and CO₂ER. Calculation results reveal that this synergy gives rise to complementary catalytic roles: Au facilitates CO₂ activation, whereas Ru promotes Li₂CO₃ breakdown, collectively enhancing the overall reaction kinetics. Consequently, Li-CO₂ batteries employing AuRu/TiO₂ cathode deliver an ultralong cycle life exceeding 1100 cycles (~2200 h), low charge voltages (2.9-3.1 V), high energy efficiency (~77.9%), and excellent stability at elevated temperatures. This work establishes a generalizable catalyst-support strategy for long lifespan metal-CO₂ batteries, offering a promising route toward high-performance carbon neutral energy storage devices