Tuning Electronic Structure of LaFeO3 for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Fuel cells and batteries are future energy conversion technologies that meet future energy requirements. These high energy density technologies depend on electrochemical reactions. Currently, perovskites are introduced in place of conventionally used materials to conduct electrocatalysis due to their cost effectiveness, chemical stability. The present work investigates the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) of the Sr, Cu doped LaFeO3 Perovskite. The EDTA-citrateassisted solution combustion technique was adopted to synthesize the powder. The physio-chemical characteristics of the prepared powder samples were studied using XRD, FESEM, BET and XPS techniques. The Phase analysis indicates the synthesis of phase pure perovskite in the studied composition range. The morphological study indicated the spherical nanoparticles in the agglomerated form. The surface area of all sample is correlated to inter and intra-agglomerate porosity in the samples. OER activity of synthesized samples was investigated using linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry study in an alkaline medium. The Sr, Cu -substitution at the lanthanum site will lead to a decrease in the cationic charge of the ferrite, which will be compensated by the creation of oxygen deficiency and an increase in the oxidation state of B-site iron. The variation in OER activity of synthesized oxides is correlated to the defects in the oxides. Sr, Cu doped LaFeO3 showed the better catalytic activity than LaFeO3.