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Synthesis and electrocatalytic properties of LaFe1-xZnxO3 perovskites

  • Original Paper: Sol-gel and hybrid materials for energy, environment and building applications
  • Published:
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Abstract

In this work, perovskite-type oxides of general formula LaFe1-xZnxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) prepared by a sol–gel route were investigated as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline KOH solutions. X-ray diffraction analysis of samples indicates that the pure cubic structure was obtained for composition lower than x = 0.2. The OER studies indicate that substitution of iron by zinc increases the electrocatalytic activity of the resulting material significantly. The highest activity was achieved for x = 0.1, whereas the obtained current density was 9.02 mA cm−2 at 0.66 V, which is approximately three times higher than that of the base oxide. The Tafel slopes values for OER on each oxide in 1 M KOH are found to be ~89, 52, and 64 mV dec−1 for LaFeO3, LaFe0.9Zn0.1O3, and LaFe0.8Zn0.2O3, respectively. The stability of LaFe0.9Zn0.1O3 electrode is studied in the process of 1000 successive cycles at a current density of 10 mA.cm−2 of the OER. A small change in overpotential was found, ranged between 11 and 19 mV, indicating clearly its long electrochemical durability. These results suggest clearly that LaFe0.9Zn0.1O3 electrode is a promising anode material for the OER in water electrolysis.

Linear sweep voltammetry of LaFe1-xZnxO3 electrodes in 1 M KOH, at a scan rate of 50 mV/s; inset shows the OER current density at 0.66 V vs. Hg/HgO.

Highlights

  • Perovskite-type oxides LaFe1-x ZnxO3 were used for oxygen evolution reaction.

  • The highest elctrode activity performance is acheived with LaFe0.9Zn0.1O3 at 0.66 V.

  • The best performing electrode exhibits a relatively excellent stability after 1000 continuous cycles.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the directorate general of scientific research and technological development DGRSDT of Algeria.

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  1. Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry and Environment, University of Biskra, B.P 145 07000, Biskra, Algeria

    Elies Omari & Mahmoud Omari

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  1. Elies Omari
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Omari, E., Omari, M. Synthesis and electrocatalytic properties of LaFe1-xZnxO3 perovskites. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 96, 219–225 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-020-05379-9

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