AMnO₃ (A = Sr, La, Ca, Y) Perovskite Oxides as Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts

A series of perovskite-type manganites AMnO3 (A = Sr, La, Ca and Y) particles were investigated as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. AMnO3 materials were synthesized by means of an ionic-liquid method, yielding phase pure particles at different temperatures. Depending on the calcination temperature, particles with mean diameter between 20 and 150 nm were obtained. Bulk versus surface composition and structure are probed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure. Electrochemical studies were performed on composite carbon-oxide electrodes in alkaline environment. The electrocatalytic activity is discussed in terms of the effective Mn oxidation state, A:Mn particle surface ratio and the Mn–O distances.