Oxygen storage capacity of La1−xBO3 perovskites (with A′ = Sr, Ce; B = Co, Mn)—relation with catalytic activity in the CH4 oxidation reaction

The aim of this work was to study the effect of cation-substitution on the reducibility of the perovskite, as well as the effect on the catalytic activity for the CH₄ oxidation reaction. Six perovskites (LaCoO₃, LaMnO₃, La_1−xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0.2, 0.4), and La_1−xCe_xMnO₃ (x = 0.05, 0.1)) were synthesized by reactive grinding. The reducibility of the perovskite was studied by means of the oxygen storage capacity (OSC) measurement. OSC was performed at different temperatures on LaCoO₃ and LaMnO₃, in order to elucidate the different mechanisms of reduction involved at each temperature. The substituted samples showed that reduction profile is modified at high-substitution degrees; however, no differences were observed on the OSC values (amount of most active oxygen, calculated after one pulse of CO) between the pure lanthanum sample and the substituted ones.

Tested in the CH₄ oxidation reaction, the LaCoO₃ sample was found to present a little higher activity than LaMnO₃, even if the cobalt-based sample presented a smaller specific surface area. Moreover, all the substituted samples presented very slightly higher activities than the pure LaMnO₃ solid. Because of the supposed redox oxidation mechanism (Mars-Van-Krevelen), this agrees well with the OSC results obtained for the reducibility of the manganese on these samples, by which it was observed that substitution does not clearly affect the immediate reduction of the manganese.     

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity for NO–CO reaction of Pd–(La, Sr)2MnO4 system

La_xSr_2−xMnO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) oxides were synthesized and single-phase K₂NiF₄-type oxides were obtained in the range of 0.1 ≤ x < 0.5. The catalytic activity of La_xSr_2−xMnO₄ for NO–CO reaction increased with increasing x in the range of solubility limit of La. La_0.5Sr_1.5MnO₄ showed the highest activity among La_xSr_2−xMnO₄ prepared in this study, but its activity was inferior to perovskite-type La_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃. Among the Pd-loaded catalysts, however, Pd/La_0.8Sr_1.2MnO₄ showed the higher activity and the selectivity to N₂ than Pd/La_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ and Pd/γ-Al₂O₃. The excellent catalytic performance of Pd/La_0.2Sr_1.2MnO₄ could be ascribable to the formation of SrPd₃O₄ which was detected by XRD in the catalyst but not in the other two catalysts.     

AMnO3 (A=La, Nd, Sm) and Sm1−xSrxMnO3 perovskites as combustion catalysts: structural, redox and catalytic properties

Catalytic combustion of methane has been investigated over AMnO₃ (A = La, Nd, Sm) and Sm_1−xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) perovskites prepared by citrate method. The catalysts were characterized by chemical analysis, XRD and TPR techniques. Catalytic activity measurements were carried out with a fixed bed reactor at T = 623–1023 K, space velocity = 40 000 N cm³ g⁻¹ h⁻¹, CH₄ concentration = 0.4% v/v, O₂ concentration = 10% v/v.

Specific surface areas of perovskites were in the range 13–20 m² g⁻¹. XRD analysis showed that LaMnO₃, NdMnO₃, SmMnO₃ and Sm_1−xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0.1) are single phase perovskite type oxides. Traces of Sm₂O₃ besides the perovskite phase were detected in the Sm_1−xSr_xMnO₃ catalysts for x = 0.3, 0.5. Chemical analysis gave evidence of the presence of a significant fraction of Mn(IV) in AMnO₃. The fraction of Mn(IV) in the Sm_1−xSr_xMnO₃ samples increased with x. TPR measurements on AMnO₃ showed that the perovskites were reduced in two steps at low and high temperature, related to Mn(IV) → Mn(III) and Mn(III) → Mn(II) reductions, respectively. The onset temperatures were in the order LaMnO₃ > NdMnO₃ > SmMnO₃. In Sm_1−xSr_xMnO₃ the Sr substitution for Sm caused the formation of Mn(IV) easily reducible to Mn(II) even at low temperature. Catalytic activity tests showed that all samples gave methane complete conversion with 100% selectivity to CO₂ below 1023 K. The activation energies of the AMnO₃ perovskites varied in the same order as the onset temperatures in TPR experiments suggesting that the catalytic activity is affected by the reducibility of manganese. Sr substitution for Sm in SmMnO₃ perovskites resulted in a reduction of activity with respect to the unsubstituted perovskite. This behaviour was related to the reduction of Mn(IV) to Mn(II), occurring under reaction conditions, hindering the redox mechanism.     

AFeO3 (A=La, Nd, Sm) and LaFe1−xMgxO3 perovskites as methane combustion and CO oxidation catalysts: structural, redox and catalytic properties

Catalytic methane combustion and CO oxidation were investigated over AFeO₃ (A=La, Nd, Sm) and LaFe_1−xMg_xO₃ (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) perovskites prepared by citrate method and calcined at 1073 K. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Redox properties and the content of Fe⁴⁺ were derived from temperature programmed reduction (TPR). Specific surface areas (SA) of perovskites were in 2.3–9.7 m² g⁻¹ range. XRD analysis showed that LaFeO₃, NdFeO₃, SmFeO₃ and LaFe_1−xMg_xO₃ (x·0.3) are single phase perovskite-type oxides. Traces of La₂O₃, in addition to the perovskite phase, were detected in the LaFe_1−xMg_xO₃ catalysts with x=0.4 and 0.5. TPR gave evidence of the presence in AFeO₃ of a very small fraction of Fe⁴⁺ which reduces to Fe³⁺. The fraction of Fe⁴⁺ in the LaFe_1−xMg_xO₃ samples increased with increasing magnesium content up to x=0.2, then it remained nearly constant. Catalytic activity tests showed that all samples gave methane and CO complete conversion with 100% selectivity to CO₂ below 973 and 773 K, respectively. For the AFeO₃ materials the order of activity towards methane combustion is La>Nd>Sm, whereas the activity, per unit SA, of the LaFe_1−xMg_xO₃ catalysts decreases with the amount of Mg at least for the catalysts showing a single perovskite phase (x=0.3). Concerning the CO oxidation, the order of activity for the AFeO₃ materials is Nd>La>Sm, while the activity (per unit SA) of the LaFe_1−xMg_xO₃ catalysts decreases at high magnesium content.     

Nanosized perovskite-type oxides La1−xSrxMO3−δ (M = Co, Mn; x = 0, 0.4) for the catalytic removal of ethylacetate

Nanometer perovskite-type oxides La_1−xSr_xMO_3−δ (M = Co, Mn; x = 0, 0.4) have been prepared using the citric acid complexing-hydrothermal-coupled method and characterized by means of techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The catalytic performance of these nanoperovskites in the combustion of ethylacetate (EA) has also been evaluated. The XRD results indicate that all the samples possessed single-phase rhombohedral crystal structures. The surface areas of these nanomaterials ranged from 20 to 33 m² g⁻¹, the achievement of such high surface areas are due to the uniform morphology with the typical particle size of 40–80 nm (as can be clearly seen in their HRSEM images) that were derived with the citric acid complexing-hydrothermally coupled strategy. The XPS results demonstrate the presence of Mn⁴⁺ and Mn³⁺ in La_1−xSr_xMnO_3−δ and Co³⁺ and Co²⁺ in La_1−xSr_xCoO_3−δ, Sr substitution induced the rises in Mn⁴⁺ and Co³⁺ concentrations; adsorbed oxygen species (O⁻, O₂⁻, or O₂²⁻) were detected on the catalyst surfaces. The O₂-TPD profiles indicate that Sr doping increased desorption of the adsorbed oxygen and lattice oxygen species at low temperatures. The H₂-TPR results reveal that the nanoperovskite catalysts could be reduced at much lower temperatures (<240 °C) after Sr doping. It is observed that under the conditions of EA concentration = 1000 ppm, EA/oxygen molar ratio = 1/400, and space velocity = 20,000 h⁻¹, the catalytic activity (as reflected by the temperature (T_100%) for EA complete conversion) increased in the order of LaCoO_2.91 (T_100% = 230 °C) ≈ LaMnO_3.12 (T_100% = 235 °C) < La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO_3.02 (T_100% = 190 °C) < La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO_2.78 (T_100% = 175 °C); furthermore, there were no formation of partially oxidized by-products over these catalysts. Based on the above results, we conclude that the excellent catalytic performance is associated with the high surface areas, good redox properties (derived from higher Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ and Co³⁺/Co²⁺ ratios), and rich lattice defects of the nanostructured La_1−xSr_xMO_3−δ materials.     

Superiority of nitrate decomposition method for synthesis of K2NiF4-type LaxSr2−xMnO4 catalysts

K₂NiF₄-type La_0.2Sr_1.8MnO₄ was synthesized by nitrate (ND) and nitrate/acetate (NAD) decomposition methods as well as solid-state reaction. Single-phase oxide was obtained at 550 °C by the ND method just after the decomposition of Sr(NO₃)₂ and at 1000 °C by the NAD method after the decomposition of SrCO₃. The K₂NiF₄-type oxide was hardly formed by the solid-state reaction. In the La–Sr–Mn system, an intermediate compound of SrCO₃, if present or formed during the decomposition process, interfered with the low-temperature formation of the K₂NiF₄-type oxide because of its high decomposition temperature about 1000 °C. The ND method used only metal nitrates and no starting materials with carbon source, so that the low-temperature synthesis of the K₂NiF₄-type oxide was realized without forming obstinate intermediate compound of SrCO₃. The low-temperature synthesis was possible for La_xSr_2−xMnO₄ with the substitution of La (0 < x < 0.5) and not for La_0.2A_1.8MnO₄ (A = Ca and Ba). The effect of A-site cations on the K₂NiF₄-phase formation was discussed from the geometric aspect.     

Catalytic behavior of La–Sr–Ce–Fe–O mixed oxidic/perovskitic systems for the NO+CO and NO+CH4+O2 (lean-NOx) reactions

Mixed oxides of the general formula La_0.5Sr_xCe_yFeO_z were prepared by using the nitrate method and characterized by XRD and Mössbauer techniques. The crystal phases detected were perovskites LaFeO₃ and SrFeO_3−x and oxides -Fe₂O₃ and CeO₂ depending on x and y values. The low surface area ceramic materials have been tested for the NO+CO and NO+CH₄+O₂ (“lean-NO_x”) reactions in the temperature range 250–550°C. A noticeable enhancement in NO conversion was achieved by the substitution of La³⁺ cation at A-site with divalent Sr⁺² and tetravalent Ce⁺⁴ cations. Comparison of the activity of the present and other perovskite-type materials has pointed out that the ability of the La_0.5Sr_xCe_yFeO_z materials to reduce NO by CO or by CH₄ under “lean-NO_x” conditions is very satisfying. In particular, for the NO+CO reaction estimation of turnover frequencies (TOFs, s⁻¹) at 300°C (based on NO chemisorption) revealed values comparable to Rh/-Al₂O₃ catalyst. This is an important result considering the current tendency for replacing the very active but expensive Rh and Pt metals. It was found that there is a direct correlation between the percentage of crystal phases containing iron in La_0.5Sr_xCe_yFeO_z solids and their catalytic activity. O₂ TPD (temperature-programmed desorption) and NO TPD studies confirmed that the catalytic activity for both tested reactions is related to the defect positions in the lattice of the catalysts (e.g., oxygen vacancies, cationic defects). Additionally, a remarkable oscillatory behavior during O₂ TPD studies was observed for the La_0.5Sr_0.2Ce_0.3FeO_z and La_0.5Sr_0.5FeO_z solids.     

Decomposition of nitric oxide over perovskite oxide catalysts: effect of CO2, H2O and CH4

Direct nitric oxide decomposition over perovskites is fairly slow and complex, its mechanism changing dramatically with temperature. Previous kinetic study for three representative compositions (La_0.87Sr_0.13Mn_0.2Ni_0.8O_3−δ, La_0.66Sr_0.34Ni_0.3Co_0.7O_3−δ and La_0.8Sr_0.2Cu_0.15Fe_0.85O_3−δ) has shown that depending on the temperature range, the inhibition effect of oxygen either increases or decreases with temperature. This paper deals with the effect of CO₂, H₂O and CH₄ on the nitric oxide decomposition over the same perovskites studied at a steady-state in a plug-flow reactor with 1 g catalyst and total flowrates of 50 or 100 ml/min of 2 or 5% NO. The effect of carbon dioxide (0.5–10%) was evaluated between 873 and 923 K, whereas that of H₂O vapor (1.6 or 2.5%) from 723 to 923 K. Both CO₂ and H₂O inhibit the NO decomposition, but inhibition by CO₂ is considerably stronger. For all three catalysts, these effects increase with temperature. Kinetic parameters for the inhibiting effects of CO₂ and H₂O over the three perovskites were determined. Addition of methane to the feed (NO/CH₄=4) increases conversion of NO to N₂ about two to four times, depending on the initial NO concentration and on temperature. This, however, is still much too low for practical applications. Furthermore, the rates of methane oxidation by nitric oxide over perovskites are substantially slower than those of methane oxidation by oxygen. Thus, perovskites do not seem to be suitable for catalytic selective NO reduction with methane.     

Electrical resistivity and thermopower of (La1−xSrx)MnO3 and (La1−xSrx)CoO3 at elevated temperatures

Electrical resistivity and Seebeck (S) measurements were performed on (La_1−xSr_x)MnO₃ (0.02x0.50) and (La_1−xSr_x)CoO₃ (0x0.15) in air up to 1073 K. (La_1−xSr_x)MnO₃ (x0.35) showed a metal-to-semiconductor transition; the transition temperature almost linearly increased from 250 to 390 K with increasing Sr content. The semiconductor phase above the transition temperature showed negative values of S. (La_1−xSr_x)CoO₃ (0x0.10) showed a semiconductor-to-metal transition at 500 K. Dominant carriers were holes for the samples of x0.02 above room temperature. LaCoO₃ showed large negative values of S below ca. 400 K, indicative of the electron conduction in the semiconductor phase.     

Methane combustion and CO oxidation on LaAl1−xMnxO3 perovskite-type oxide solid solutions

Structural, redox and catalytic deep oxidation properties of LaAl_1−xMn_xO₃ (x=0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) solid solutions prepared by the citrate method and calcined at 1073 K were investigated. XRD analysis showed that all the LaAl_1−xMn_xO₃ samples are single phase perovskite-type solid solutions. Particle sizes and surface areas (SA) are in the 280–1180 Å and 4–33 m² g⁻¹ ranges, respectively. Redox properties and the content of Mn⁴⁺ were derived from temperature programmed reduction (TPR) with H₂. Two reduction steps are observed by TPR for pure LaMnO₃, the first attributed to the reduction of Mn⁴⁺ to Mn³⁺ and the second due to complete reduction of Mn³⁺ to Mn²⁺. The presence of Al in the LaAl_1−xMn_xO₃ solid solutions produces a strong promoting effect on the Mn⁴⁺→Mn³⁺ reducibility and inhibits the further reduction to Mn²⁺. Both for methane combustion and CO oxidation all Mn-containing perovskites are much more active than LaAlO₃, so pointing to the essential role of the transition metal ion in developing highly active catalysts. Partial dilution with Al appears to enhance the specific activity of Mn sites for methane combustion.     

Performance of La1−xSrxAl1−y−y′FeyMgy′O3−δ perovskites in methane combustion: effect of aluminum and magnesium content

Perovskites of different La_1−xSr_xAl_1−y−y′Fe_yMg_y′O_3−δ compositions (x=0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 and y=0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8) were prepared from a reactive precursor slurry of hydrated oxides. Each sample was aged between 16 and 26 h up to 1473 K. Activity in methane combustion (1%/air) was determined in a plug-flow reactor, with 1 g catalyst and 24 l/h flowrate. Gradual decrease in activity due to thermal aging was observed, the degree of activity loss being composition dependent. Nevertheless, activity of samples aged at 1370 K was nearly independent of composition. The best thermal stability showed LaAl_0.65Fe_0.15Mg_0.2O₃ perovskite. None of the magnesium substituted perovskites performed better than a La_0.85Sr_0.15Al_0.87Fe_0.13O₃ reference sample.     

Ce1−xCuxO2−x/Al2O3/FeCrAl catalysts for catalytic combustion of methane

A series of the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x/Al₂O₃/FeCrAl catalysts (x = 0–1) were prepared. The structure of the catalysts was characterized using XRD, SEM and H₂-TPR. The catalytic activity of the catalysts for the combustion of methane was evaluated. The results indicated that in the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x/Al₂O₃/FeCrAl catalysts the surface phase structure were the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x solid solution, -Al₂O₃ and γ-Al₂O₃. The surface particle shape and size were different with the variety of the molar ratio of Ce to Cu in the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x solid solution. The Cu component of the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x/Al₂O₃/FeCrAl catalysts played an important role to the catalytic activity for the methane combustion. There were the stronger interaction among the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x solid solution and the Al₂O₃ washcoats and the FeCrAl support.     

Sintering behaviour of La1−xSrxFeO3−δ mixed conductors

The sintering properties of La_1−xSr_xFeO_3−δ (x = 0.1, 0.25) mixed conductors have been investigated with particular emphasis on the effect of secondary phases due to cation non-stoichiometry (±5 mol% La excess and deficiency). Secondary phases, located at grain boundaries in cation non-stoichiometric materials, increased the sintering temperature compared to single-phase materials. Extensive swelling in final stage of sintering was observed in all materials, which resulted in micro-porous materials. The swelling was most pronounced in the phase pure and two-phase materials due to La-deficiency, while refractory secondary phases in La-excess materials inhibited both sintering, grain growth and swelling. In La-deficient materials, formation of molten secondary phases resulted in rapid swelling due to viscous flow. The present findings demonstrated the importance of controlling sintering temperature and time, as well as careful control of the cation stoichiometry of La_1−xSr_xFeO_3−δ in order to achieve fully dense and homogenous La_1−xSr_xFeO_3−δ ceramics.     

Surface properties and catalytic performance in methane combustion of Sr-substituted lanthanum manganites

Perovskite type La_1 − xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0–0.5) oxides were prepared by the amorphous citrate process, characterised by X-ray diffraction, oxygen desorption, temperature-programmed reduction, infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic techniques, and tested for methane combustion within the 473–1073 K temperature range. Since catalyst activity was found to depend strongly on BET areas and to a lesser extent, on the degree of substitution (x), intrinsic activities were computed for La_1 − xSr_xMnO₃ catalyst series. Among the compositions investigated, the degree of substitution x = 0.2 showed the highest intrinsic activity within the temperatures explored. Characterisation techniques made possible to correlate catalytic performance with the structural characteristics of the oxides. The stability of Mn⁴⁺ is probably the most important parameter, but excess of oxygen and atomic surface composition should also be taken into account.     

Partial oxidation of methane to syngas over BaTi1 − xNixO3 catalysts

Performances of BaTi_1 − xNi_xO₃ perovskites, prepared using sol–gel method, as catalysts for partial oxidation of methane to syngas have been studied. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET and TEM. The experimental studies showed the calcination temperature and Ni content exhibited a significant influence on catalytic activity. Among catalysts tested, the catalyst BaTi_0.8Ni_0.2O₃ exhibited the best activity and excellent stability.     

The NO selective reduction on the La1−xSrxMnO3 catalysts

La_1−xSr_xMnO₃ (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7) perovskite-type oxides (PTOs) were prepared by coprecipitation under various calcination temperature, and their performances for the NO reduction were evaluated under a simulated exhaust gas mixture. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis were carried out to find the formation process of the perovskite. The NO reduction rate under different reaction temperature, the concentration of oxygen and the presence of hydrocarbon were observed by the input/output analysis. In the presence of 10% excess oxygen, the catalyst La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ calcined at 900 °C showed a NO reduction rate of 61% at 380 °C. The study of the reaction curves showed that C₃H₈ could act as the reducer for the NO reduction below 400 °C. The NO reduction is highly affected by increasing the O₂ concentration from 0.5 to 10%, especially at high temperatures when oxygen becomes more competitive than NO on the oxidation of C₃H₈, leading to a decrease of the NO reduction from 100% to zero at 560 °C.     

Catalytic oxidation of nitrogen monoxide over La1−xCexCoO3 perovskites

This paper presents an investigation on the NO oxidation properties of perovskite oxides. La_1−xCe_xCoO₃ (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) perovskite-type oxides were synthesized through a citrate method and characterized by XRD, BET and XPS. The catalytic activities were enhanced significantly with Ce substitution, and achieved the best when x was 0.2, but decreased at higher x values. The performed characterizations reveal that the adsorbed oxygen on the surface plays an important role in the oxidation of NO into NO₂. The surface compounds after the co-adsorption of NO and O₂ at room temperature, were investigated by DRIFTS and TPD experiments. Three species: the bridging nitrate, the hyponitrites and the monodentate nitrate, were formed on the surface. The order of thermal stabilities was as follows: monodentate > hyponitrite > bridging. Among them, only the monodentate nitrate which decomposed at above 300 °C, would desorb NO₂ into the gas phase. When Ce was added, the temperature of monodentate nitrate desorption became low and the adsorption of the other two species decreased. This might be related to the oxidation state of Co on the surface. Analysis by synthesizing the characterization results and catalytic activity data shows that large amounts of adsorbed oxygen, small amount of inactive compounds on the surface and low NO₂ desorption temperature are favorable for the oxidation of NO.     

Preparation of CexZr1−xO2 (x = 0.75, 0.62) solid solution and its application in Pd-only three-way catalysts

Nanoparticles of Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ (x = 0.75, 0.62) were prepared by the oxidation-coprecipitation method using H₂O₂ as an oxidant, and characterized by N₂ adsorption, XRD and H₂-TPR. Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ prepared had single fluorite cubic structure, good thermal stability and reduction property. With the increasing of Ce/Zr ratio, the surface area of Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ increased, but thermal stability of Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ decreased. The surface area of Ce_0.62Zr_0.38O₂ was 41.2 m²/g after calcination in air at 900 °C for 6 h. TPR results showed the formation of solid solution promoted the reduction of CeO₂, and the reduction properties of Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ were enhanced by the cycle of TPR-reoxidation. The Pd-only three-way catalysts (TWC) were prepared by the impregnation method, in which Ce_0.75Zr_0.25O₂ was used as the active washcoat and Pd loading was 0.7 g/L. In the test of Air/Fuel, the conversion of C₃H₈ was close to 100% and NO was completely converted at λ < 1.025. The high conversion of C₃H₈ was induced by the steam reform and dissociation adsorption reaction of C₃H₈. Pd-only catalyst using Ce_0.75Zr_0.25O₂ as active washcoat showed high light off activity, the reaction temperatures (T₅₀) of 50% conversion of CO, C₃H₈ and NO were 180, 200 and 205 °C, respectively. However, the conversions of C₃H₈ and NO showed oscillation with continuously increasing the reaction temperature. The presence of La₂O₃ in washcoat decreased the light off activity and suppressed the oscillation of C₃H₈ and NO conversion. After being aged at 900 °C for 4 h, the operation windows of catalysts shifted slightly to rich burn. The presence of La₂O₃ in active washcoat can enhance the thermal stability of catalyst significantly.     

Microwave dielectric properties and co-firing with copper of (Bi1−xCux)(Nb1−xWx)O4 ceramics

Effect of substitution of CuO and WO₃ on the microwave dielectric properties of BiNbO₄ ceramics and the co-firing between ceramics and copper electrode were investigated. The (Bi_1−xCu_x)(Nb_1−xW_x)O₄ (x = 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02) composition can be densified between 900 and 990 °C. The microwave dielectric constants lie between 36 and 45 and the pores in ceramics were found to be the main influence. The Q values changes between 1400 and 2900 with different x values and sintering temperatures while Q_f values lie between 6000 and 16,000 GHz. The microwave dielectric losses, mainly affected by the grain size, pores, and the secondary phase, are discussed. The (Bi_1−xCu_x)(Nb_1−xW_x)O₄ ceramics and copper electrode was co-fired under N₂ atmosphere at 850 °C and the EDS analysis showed no reaction between the dielectrics and copper electrodes. This result presented the (Bi_1−xCu_x)(Nb_1−xW_x)O₄ dielectric materials to be good candidates for LTCC applications with copper electrode.     

Study of Ag/La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 catalysts for complete oxidation of methanol and ethanol at low concentrations

Ag-modified La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃-based catalysts with the perovskite-type structure were prepared by using a citric acid sol–gel method, and their catalytic performance for complete oxidation of methanol and ethanol was evaluated and compared with that of the γ-Al₂O₃-supported catalysts, Ag/γ-Al₂O₃, Pt/γ-Al₂O₃, and Pd/γ-Al₂O₃. The results showed that the Ag-modified La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃-based catalysts with the perovskite-type structure displayed the activity significantly higher than that of the supported precious metal catalysts, 0.1%Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ and 0.1%Pt/γ-Al₂O₃ in the temperature range of 370–573 K. Over a 6%Ag/20%La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst, the T₉₅ temperature for methanol oxidation can be as low as 413 K. Even at such low reaction temperature, there were little HCHO and CO detected in the reaction exit-gas. However, for the 0.1%Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ and 0.1%Pt/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts, the HCHO content in the reaction exit-gas reached 200 and 630 ppm at their T₉₅ temperatures. Over a 6%Ag/La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃ catalyst, the T₉₅ temperature for ethanol oxidation can be as low as 453 K, with a corresponding content of CH₃CHO in the exit-gas at 782 ppm; when ethanol oxidation is performed at 493 K, the content of acetaldehyde in the exit-gas can be below 1 ppm. Characterization of the catalysts by X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM, XPS, laser Raman spectra (LRS), hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR) and oxygen temperature-programmed desorption (O₂-TPD) methods revealed that both the surface and the bulk phase of the perovskite La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃ played important roles in the catalytic oxidation of the alcohols, and that γ-Al₂O₃ as the bottom carrier could be beneficial in creating a large surface area of catalyst. Moreover, a small amount of Ag⁺ doped onto the surface of La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃ was able to partially occupy the positions of La³⁺ and Sr²⁺ due to their similar ionic radii, and thus, became stabilized by the perovskite lattice, which would be in favor of preventing the aggregation of the Ag species on the surface and enhancing the stability of the catalyst. On the other hand, modification of the Ag⁺ to the surface of La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO₃ resulted in an increase in relative content of the surface O₂²⁻/O⁻ species highly reactive toward the alcohols and aldehydes as well as CO. Besides, solution of low-valence metal oxides SrO and Ag₂O with proper amounts in the lattice of the trivalent metal perovskite-type oxide LaMnO₃ would also lead to an increase in the content of the reducible Mnⁿ⁺ and the formation of anionic vacancies, which would be favorable for the adsorption-activation of oxygen on the functioning catalyst and the transport of the lattice and surface oxygen species. All these factors would contribute to the pronounced improvement of the catalyst performance.