Nanocomposites comprised of doped cerium dioxide and lanthanum manganite for syngas production

Nanocomposites comprised of fluorite-like (Gd- or Pr-doped ceria) and perovskite-like (LaMnO3+δ) phases were prepared using a polymerized precursor (Pechini) route. Genesis of the structure of composites with annealing temperature has been studied by X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy and EXAFS. Up to 1300 °C, particle sizes of both fluorite and perovskite phases remain in the nano-range. Interaction between components is reflected in the increase of doped ceria lattice parameter and disordering of Mn coordination sphere. Despite this interaction, nanocomposites possess a high conductivity along with a high lattice oxygen mobility and reactivity. The addition of CoO improves sintering of nanocomposites.