LaNi(1-x)FexO3 perovskite catalysts prepared by high-energy ball milling for efficient air cathodes in alkaline fuel cells

Sep 29, 2026

LaNi(1 −x)FexO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) perovskite powders were synthesized via a conventional mixed-oxide route combined with high-energy ball milling and 800 °C calcination, then sintered at 1000 °C for 2 h using 5 °C min−1 heating/cooling. Structural and compositional characterization was performed with SEM, EDS, TGA, DSC, XRD, and cyclic voltammetry. SEM revealed distinct nanoscale particle sizes after calcination and sintering, and the LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 catalyst showed a rhombohedral phase. In 0.1 M sorbitol with 0.1 M KOH, the catalyst supports efficient electro-oxidation for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline air cathode conditions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages9

Reading Time23 min

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Introduction

Fuel cell background and need for efficient energy generation

Role of cathode materials and perovskite structures

Motivation for LaNi(1-x)FexO3 catalysts

RSC Advances PAPER Cite this: RSC Adv., 2026, 16, 1879 Received 8th September 2025 Accepted 28th December 2025 DOI: 10.1039/d5ra06763d[rsc.li/rsc-advances](rsc.li/rsc-advances) LaNi(1 −x) FexO3 perovskite catalysts prepared by high-energy ball milling for eﬃcient air cathodes in alkaline fuel cells Chontira Sangsubun, *a Chakkrapong Chaiburib and Supandee Maneelokc The LaNi(1 −x) FexO3 (x = 0, 0 . 2, 0 .4, 0 . 6, 0 . 8, and 1) perovskite powder was prepared using a conventional mixed-oxide method through high-energy ball milling and calcination at 800 °C. The powders were then sintered at 1000 °C for 2 hours with a heating/cooling rate of 5 °C min −1. The LaNi(1 −x) FexO3 powders were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), diﬀerential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diﬀraction (XRD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) . From the experimental results, it was found that the SEM micrograph of the LaNi0.6 Fe0.4O3 powder shows that the calcined LaNi0.6 Fe0.4O3 powder has a particle size ranging from approximately 30 to 400 nm. In comparison, the sintered powder at 1000 °C has an average particle size ranging from 50 to 600 nm. The LaNi0.6 Fe0.4O3 powder exhibits a rhombohedral phase structure. The LaNi0.6 Fe0.4O3 catalyst, when used in a 0 . 1 M local sorbitol solution and 0 . 1 M KOH, can be eﬀectively utilized as a catalyst for electro-oxidation electrode materials in the oxygen reduction reaction. Introduction Industrial growth is experiencing rapid expansion, leading toa substantial increase in electricity demand. Today's electricity generation relies on fossil fuels, predominantly coal, oil, and natural gas. However, these methods of electricity generation could be more eﬃcient and o􀀁en contribute signi􀀁cantly to environmental pollution. Fossil fuels, being 􀀁nite resources, may result in future shortages and escalating prices. This makes the development of technologies for eﬃcient electricity generation and the exploration of alternative energy sources crucial. In this context, fuel cells emerge as a promising option foreﬃcient and clean energy utilization, oﬀering a responsible and sustainable solution to our energy needs. They are gaining increasing attention for continuously producing electricity by introducing reactants into the system. The reactants, typically hydrogen gas at the anode and oxygen gas at the cathode, enable a continuous process as long as the by-products are eﬃciently removed from the system, with water being the 􀀁nal by-product, which is environmentally benign. Wang and Nehrir (2007)1 discuss the importance of fuel cells in eﬃcient power generation under load transients. Fuel cells comprise several aFaculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, 93210, Thailand. E-mail: [schontira@tsu.ac.th](schontira@tsu.ac.th) bFaculty of Engineering, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus, Phatthalung 93210, Thailand. E-mail: [chakkrapong@tsu.ac.th](chakkrapong@tsu.ac.th) cFaculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, 93210, [Thailand. E-mail: msupandee@tsu.ac.th](Thailand. E-mail: msupandee@tsu.ac.th) essential components, including a cathode that facilitates eﬃcient and stable electricity 􀀃ow under normal operating conditions. It typically utilizes ceramic materials with a perovskite structure, as noted by Bhalla et al. (2000),2 who reviewed the signi􀀁cance of perovskite materials in fuel cell applications. The anode absorbs hydrogen gas and facilitates its electrochemical reaction to convert it into water while releasing electrons. Basu et al. (2004)3 studied the microstructure and conductivity of lanthanum-based perovskite materials used inanodes. The electrolyte allows the 􀀃ow of ions or electrons. The interconnect, a crucial component, connects individual cell units, ensuring a smooth 􀀃ow of electricity between the cells. Sealing materials ensure pro

FAQs

How were the LaNi(1−x)FexO3 perovskite powders prepared?

They were produced using a conventional mixed-oxide method followed by high-energy ball milling and calcination at 800 °C, then sintered at 1000 °C for 2 hours with a 5 °C min−1 heating/cooling rate.

What characterization methods were used to analyze the catalysts?

SEM, EDS, TGA, DSC, XRD, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to study microstructure, composition, thermal behavior, crystal structure, and electrochemical performance.

What performance does the LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 catalyst show in alkaline conditions?

When used in a 0.1 M sorbitol solution with 0.1 M KOH, LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 functions effectively as a catalyst for electro-oxidation electrode materials in the oxygen reduction reaction.

Sep 29, 2026

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