Mn/Fe Co-doped LaCoO 3 − δ perovskite oxides as efficient cathode for high-performance Zn-air batteries
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Perovskite oxides are promising bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction (ORR/OER). Here, a cooperative Mn–Fe–Co B-site modulation strategy is implemented in LaCoO 3− δ , combined with a low-temperature combustion synthesis that stabilizes a highly defective oxygen sublattice while preserving single-phase crystallinity. A series of LaCoO 3− δ –based perovskites (LMCO, LMFCO244, LMFCO334 and LMFCO) were prepared, among which LMFCO calcined at 700 °C (LMFCO-700) delivered the highest activity. When applied in a zinc–air battery, LMFCO-700 delivers an open-circuit voltage of 1.48 V, a peak power density of 179 mW cm −2 , and remarkable rechargeability over 540 h (1620 cycles) with a high specific capacity of 793 mA g Zn −1 . Mechanism analysis indicates that the Mn–Fe co-doping promotes a favourable redistribution of B-site valence states by increasing the proportion of Mn 4+ and Co 2+ species and stabilizing oxygen vacancies. This coupled Mn 4+ –Co 2+ redox modulation enhances oxygen-intermediate adsorption and accelerates ORR/OER kinetics. The low-temperature synthesis further increases the surface area (11.23 m 2 g −1 ), exposing more accessible active sites. The synergistic electronic, structural and defect modulation achieved here provides a rational pathway for designing high-performance perovskite electrocatalysts for metal–air batteries and related energy-conversion systems.
Source: Journal of Physics Energy
Authors: Boyao Sun, Alex J Brown, Qi Zhang, Marc Walker, Yisong Han, Shanwen Tao
Institution: University of Warwick
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W7138209538