Versatile LaCo_0.6Ni_0.4O_3-δ Nanofiber Membrane for High Performance Oxygen Electrocatalysis over a Wide Temperature...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are critical for energy applications.
• Conventional nanofiber electrode fabrication methods often degrade structural integrity.
• Developing robust, high-performance electrodes for ORR/OER across temperature ranges is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate LaCo_0.6Ni_0.4O_3-δ (LCN) nanofibrous membranes with enhanced properties for ORR/OER.
• To evaluate the catalytic activity and stability of LCN nanofibrous membranes at room and elevated temperatures.
• To demonstrate the potential of these nanofibrous perovskite catalysts in solid oxide cells (SOCs).

Main Methods:

• Optimized electrospinning technique for fabricating LCN nanofibrous membranes.
• Characterization of nanofiber morphology, surface area, and porosity.
• Electrochemical testing for ORR/OER activity at room temperature and in SOCs at elevated temperatures.

Main Results:

• LCN nanofibrous membranes exhibited high specific surface area and porosity.
• Exceptional ORR/OER catalytic activity at room temperature, comparable to Pt/C and RuO₂.
• Remarkable ORR/OER performance in SOCs at 700 °C, achieving a peak power density of 0.802 W cm^-2 with excellent stability (>180 h).

Conclusions:

• The developed LCN nanofibrous membrane offers a robust and highly efficient electrode for oxygen electrocatalysis.
• This approach leverages high porosity and surface area for superior performance across a wide temperature range.
• Nanofibrous perovskite electrodes present a promising pathway for advanced energy conversion devices.