Perovskite oxides, particularly LaFeO3 (LFO), have gained significant attention due to their diverse applications in catalysis, energy storage, solar cells, and environmental remediation. However, the environmental impacts associated with their production remain largely unexplored. The present study demonstrates a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of experimentally synthesized LFO nanoparticles (NPs) by a hydrothermal method against 7 mainstream synthesis routes, focusing on their environmental and resource implications. The mass and specific surface area were kept as functional units in the cradle-to-gate LCA study that utilizes TRACI midpoint and ReCiPe end point methods to quantify the environmental impacts associated with LFO NPs synthesis routes and precursors. Key environmental indicators such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cumulative energy demand (CED), and health impacts are assessed using LCA methodologies. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify critical factors influencing LCA and to prioritize areas for improvement in synthesis chemistry. It is revealed that green synthesis produced the highest environmental impact, with a global warming (GW) potential of 33.52 kg of CO2eq and ecotoxicity (ET) of 30.32 CTUe for 1 kg of LFO NPs. However, microwave, sonication and hydrothermal synthesis produced 38-52% less environmental impact compared to green synthesis. The experimental lab-scale inventory data and LCA analysis fill in the existing data gaps and aid future studies on the sustainable synthesis of LFO NPs and other ABO3 type perovskites for industrial settings. © 2024 American Chemical Society
