Synthesis and electrochemical performance of La0.7Sr0.3Co1−xFexO3 catalysts for zinc air secondary batteries

We prepared La0.7Sr0.3Co1−xFexO3 (x=0.1–0.4) catalysts for a zinc air battery by using the citrate method under controlled pH. The prepared precursor powder was heat treated at the calcination temperature of 700 °C and examined for the optimum structure of the cathode. The structure and performance of the catalysts were examined by x-ray diffraction and a scanning electron microscope. The air electrode was prepared by blending the catalyst, Vulcan XC-72R (carbon black), and (polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE) suspension. The oxygen reduction reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction were examined by linear sweep voltammetry. The results showed that La0.7Sr0.3Co0.7Fe0.3O3 (LSCF0.7) is an excellent catalyst for the zinc air secondary battery.