Carbon nanotubes-templated assembly of LaCoO3 nanowires at low temperatures and its excellent catalytic properties for CO oxidation

This work reports the mild synthesis of LaCoO3 catalyst with the interesting nanowire morphology in the presence of both carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and citrate. In comparison, LaCoO3 nanoparticles were prepared by conventional citrate method. The samples were characterized by TEM (Transmission electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), N2 adsorption isotherm and CO-TPD (Temperature-programming desorption), etc. The results showed that the morphology of LaCoO3 catalyst was controlled effectively by the CNTs template; and that the adding of citrate not only controlled effectively the stoichiometric ratio of La to Co, but also reduced the crystallizing temperature of LaCoO3 crystal greatly. Moreover, after calcined at 750 °C for 48 h, LaCoO3 nanowires exhibited higher thermal stability and catalytic activity for CO oxidation, compared with the nanoparticles.