Preparation and characterization of electrospun LaCoO3 fibers for oxygen reduction and evolution in rechargeable Zn–air batteries

LaCoO 3 fibers were synthesized through the calcination of an electrospun polymer-metal precursor fiber. The electrochemical performance of these fibers for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions was characterized in a KOH solution. Additionally, the electrochemical properties were compared with those of a conventional PtRu/C catalyst and a LaCoO 3 powder, which was synthesized using the Pechini method. The LaCoO 3 fibers had a greater surface area compared with the powder, whereas the crystal structures of the fibers and powder were notably similar. The LaCoO 3 fibers demonstrated better electrochemical properties compared with the LaCoO 3 powder, which was attributed to the increased surface area and number of active sites in the fibers.