LaNi0.8Co0.2O3 as a cathode catalyst for a direct borohydride fuel cell

A perovskite-type oxide LaNi0.8Co0.2O3 is prepared as a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) cathode catalyst. Its electrochemical properties are studied by cyclic voltammetry. The results demonstrate that LaNi0.8Co0.2O3 exhibits excellent electrochemical activity with respect to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and good tolerance of BH4− ions. Maximum power densities of 114.5 mW cm−2 at 30 °C and 151.3 mW cm−2 at 62 °C are obtained, and good stability (300-h stable performance at 20 mA cm−2) is also exhibited, which shows that such perovskite-type oxides as LaNi0.8Co0.2O3 can be excellent catalysts for DBFCs.

Research highlights
► Firstly, a non-precious metal catalyst LaNi0.8Co0.2O3 exhibits excellent electrochemical activity with respect to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
► Secondly, maximum power densities of 114.5 mW cm−2 at 30 °C and 151.3 mW cm−2 at 62 °C were obtained.
► Lastly, good stability (300-h stable performance at 20 mA cm−2) was exhibited.