Stabilisation of lanthanum nickelate electrocatalysts via Pt doping for high-current-density rechargeable zinc–air batteries

Abstract

Pt- and Pd-doped LaNiO₃ are synthesised by the conventional sol–gel combustion method and tested in zinc–air batteries (ZABs) at a high current density of 60 mA cm⁻². We report a 30% enhancement in the high-current cycling stability of zinc–air batteries using LaNi_0.95Pt_0.05O₃ perovskite electrocatalysts. Through advanced X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we confirm Pt incorporation at the B-site and reveal that Pt⁴⁺ induces structural transformation toward a cubic phase, increases Ni–O ionicity, and enhances La–O covalency. These changes collectively stabilise lattice oxygen participation in the OER while preserving the bulk structure at 60 mA cm⁻². This work provides mechanistic insights into the noble metal doping of perovskites, offering a design strategy for robust bifunctional electrocatalysts.