Solution combustion synthesis of YCoO3 and investigation of its catalytic properties by cyclic voltammetery

In this paper, the synthesis of YCoO₃ by solution combustion method and investigation of its catalytic activity using cyclic voltammetry is presented. The perovskite phase was obtained by thermal initializing of the solutions of the metal nitrates and the fuel (urea). The obtained solid precursor was further heated yielding the perovskite phase. The obtained perovskite compound has orthorhombic unit cell, within the space group Pnma, with unit cell parameters a = 5.4223 ?, b = 7.3657 ?, and c = 5.1385 ?. The catalytic activity of the prepared perovskite was investigated by cyclic voltammetry using YCoO₃-modified paraffin impregnated graphite electrode, in several electrolytes. It was found that the YCoO₃ perovskite has a distinct catalytic activity towards the oxidation of chloride anions in which Co³⁺ ions being the active centers. Also, this material enhances the oxidation of methanol in KOH.