Structure and Electrochemical Behavior of ZnLaFeO<sub>4</sub> Alloy as a Negative Electrode in Ni-MH Batteries

This study focuses on the structural and electrochemical behavior of the compound ZnLaFeO<sub>4</sub> as a negative electrode material for nickel–metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. The material was synthesized by a sol–gel hydrothermal method to assess the influence of lanthanum doping on...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Houyem Gharbi, Wissem Zayani, Youssef Dabaki, Chokri Khaldi, Omar ElKedim, Nouredine Fenineche, Jilani Lamloumi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Energies
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/13/3251
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Summary:This study focuses on the structural and electrochemical behavior of the compound ZnLaFeO<sub>4</sub> as a negative electrode material for nickel–metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. The material was synthesized by a sol–gel hydrothermal method to assess the influence of lanthanum doping on the ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> spinel structure. X-ray diffraction revealed the formation of a dominant LaFeO<sub>3</sub> perovskite phase, with ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and La<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> as secondary phases. SEM analysis showed agglomerated grains with an irregular morphology. Electrochemical characterization at room temperature and a discharge rate of C/10 (full charge in 10 h) revealed a maximum discharge capacity of 106 mAhg<sup>−1</sup>. Although La<sup>3+</sup> doping modified the microstructure and slowed the activation process, the electrode exhibited stable cycling with moderate polarization behavior. The decrease in capacity during cycling is due mainly to higher internal resistance. These results highlight the potential and limitations of La-doped spinel ferrites as alternative negative electrodes for Ni-MH systems.
ISSN:1996-1073