Graphene-loaded and Mn-doped SrCoO3 perovskite oxide as a cathode catalyst for aluminum–air battery

Abstract

In this study, a SrCoO 3 perovskite catalyst is prepared by sol–gel method, and modified by loading graphene and doping Mn. The effects of 20% graphene loading and 50% Mn doping on the performance of SrCoO 3 perovskite as a cathode catalyst for Al–air battery are studied by morphology observation, electrochemical performance analysis, and full battery test. The results show that 20% graphene loading alone and 50% Mn doping alone do not significantly improve the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic performance. However, 50% Mn-doped SrCoO 3 perovskite exhibits a fine grain size, cubic hexagonal mixed structure, and low lattice stability. The 20% graphene-loaded SrCoO 3 perovskite reduces the oxygen absorption capacity and elevates the peak potential of ORR reaction. After 20% graphene-loaded SrCo 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 3 effectively improves the catalytic performance of ORR. The interfacial interaction between graphene and SrCoO 3 elevates the peak potential of ORR reaction, but no interaction occurs between graphene and SrCo 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 3 interface. The catalyst containing the graphene-loaded SrCo 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 3 perovskite exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic ORR activity and is suitable for use as cathode catalyst in Al–air battery.