Unveiling the redox-driven efficiency of SrFeO3 nanoplates in alkaline ethanol oxidation reactions

Ethanol-fueled direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) represent an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for advancing renewable energy technologies. Conventional DAFC systems, however, often depend on expensive noble metal electrocatalysts such as Pt and Pd, which are vulnerable to CO poisoning during ethanol oxidation. Perovskite oxides have emerged as promising alternatives due to their adjustable structures, low cost, and intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. In this study, we report the sol-gel synthesis of strontium ferrite (SrFeO₃), a perovskite-based electrocatalyst, for DAFC applications. The synthesized SrFeO₃ achieves a peak current density of 4.83 mA cm⁻² at 1.50 V and demonstrates robust CO tolerance (tolerance factor ≈ 1.16). The excellent electrocatalytic performance is attributed to the presence of unusual oxidation of iron, which leads to oxygen vacancy and boost efficient ethanol oxidation. These findings underscore the potential of perovskite-based catalysts as durable, low-cost alternatives for alcohol fuel cells and advance the development of sustainable energy solutions.