High surface area for La_1-xSr_xFeO₃(x=0, 0.4, 0.6) as bifunctional catalyst for rechargeable Li-O₂batteries

Three-dimensionally mesoporous La1-xSrxFeO3 (x = 0, 0.4, 0.6) precursors have been synthesized through a facile solvothermal process. After high-temperature sintering, La1-xSrxFeO3 still exhibits uniform morphology and good dispersibility, which provides a porous structure and favorable surface area. Particularly, La0.4Sr0.6FeO3 shows the biggest surface area of 58 m2 g-1. Doping also induces the generation of oxygen vacancies and Fe4+, which is beneficial for the conductivity and catalytic activity of the materials. Complete with favorable structure and electrochemical activity, La0.4Sr0.6FeO3 exhibits bifunctional catalytic activity in alkaline solution. Applied as a cathode catalyst in Li-O2 batteries, it shows a larger discharge capacity of 23 905 mA h g-1 and a better cycling stability of 100 cycles.