Effect of potassium on the structure and catalytic properties of K1.2Cu0.4Fe2O4

We have studied the structural properties of the phase K_1.2Cu_0.4Fe₂O₄ and the effect of potassium on its catalytic activity for oxidation of carbon. The results demonstrate that the potassium-doped phase differs from the undoped ferrite CuFe₂O₄ in linear dimensions of its unit cell, high density of structural defects, and low-temperature activity and activation energy for the catalytic process. Contact interaction between K_1.2Cu_0.4Fe₂O₄ and carbon in the temperature range 240–420°C leads to the reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺ and the formation of Cu₂O, CuFeO₂, and K₂Fe₄O₇. Testing results for the phases identified indicate that the catalytic processes in the presence of K₂Fe₄O₇ and K_1.2Cu_0.4Fe₂O₄ are identical.