The study investigates the use of defect graphene as a multifunctional catalyst for electrochemical reactions, specifically focusing on oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), and hydrogen evolution (HER). The researchers, from Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology, demonstrate that defects derived by removing heteroatoms from graphene are effective for all three reactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that different types of defects are essential for the individual electrocatalytic activities of ORR, OER, and HER. The defective graphene (DG) material exhibits superior activity compared to nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) and pristine graphene (G) in both acidic and alkaline solutions. The DG material also shows excellent durability and stability, making it a promising candidate for applications such as rechargeable zinc-air batteries. The study provides insights into the catalytic mechanisms of defect graphene and highlights its potential for next-generation electrocatalysts.The study investigates the use of defect graphene as a multifunctional catalyst for electrochemical reactions, specifically focusing on oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), and hydrogen evolution (HER). The researchers, from Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology, demonstrate that defects derived by removing heteroatoms from graphene are effective for all three reactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that different types of defects are essential for the individual electrocatalytic activities of ORR, OER, and HER. The defective graphene (DG) material exhibits superior activity compared to nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) and pristine graphene (G) in both acidic and alkaline solutions. The DG material also shows excellent durability and stability, making it a promising candidate for applications such as rechargeable zinc-air batteries. The study provides insights into the catalytic mechanisms of defect graphene and highlights its potential for next-generation electrocatalysts.