Synthesis and properties of La1-x Cax Al O3

La1-x Ca-x Al O-3 (0 <= x <= 0.6) perovskite-type oxides were prepared by co-precipitation method using metal nitrate salts as cation precursors and NaOH solution as the precipitating agent. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicate that decomposition of the precursor to the oxide begins at similar to 800 degrees C. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm the formation of the perovskite phase. Both undoped and doped lanthanum aluminates show two IR active vibrational modes at 450 and 670 cm(-1) which are assigned to AlO6 octahedra of the oxide matrix. The microstructure and morphology of the compounds show that the particles are nearly spherical in shape and are agglomerated. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the catalytic activity is strongly influenced by lanthanum doping. The highest electrode performance is achieved with large calcium content.