Preparation of homogeneous nanoporous La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 for bi-functional catalysis in an alkaline electrolyte

Well-dispersed nanoporous La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 catalyst for metal–air batteries was synthesized by a modified amorphous citrate precursor method using Vulcan XC-72R as a pore-forming material. Nanostructural perovskite La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 with a specific surface area of over 210 m2/g was obtained at 650 °C in air. The electrochemical behaviors of the as-prepared La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 catalysts were studied on classical bilayer gas diffusion electrodes. Compared with the traditional amorphous citrate precursor method, the perovskite La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 prepared by this modified technique illustrated higher electrocatalytic activity mainly due to the high surface area and the novel nanostructure, which would provide potential applications in metal–air batteries and fuel cells.