Performance and stability of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ perovskite as catalyst precursor for syngas production by partial oxidation of methane

•Identification of the formed species from La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ under reducing conditions.•Total reduction of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ decomposes in β-Co, La2O3 and SrO nanoparticles.•Optimization of catalytic activity varying temperature, flow rate and feed composition.•Catalytic activity enhances with the increase of redox cycles.•La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ is totally regenerated by a specific thermal treatment.

The aim of this work was to investigate the performance and stability of the perovskite La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ, as a potential catalyst precursor, for the synthesis gas production by partial oxidation of methane. For this purpose, the catalytic activity of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ was studied as a function of the temperature, flow rate and feed composition. In addition, its stability with the time-on-stream and redox cycles was also explored. Before and after testing, the catalyst precursor was characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDX and specific surface area (BET). The results evidenced a remarkable catalytic activity due to the stability of the cobalt, which is in a highly disperse state, in its reduced state. The CH4 conversion and the CO and H2 selectivities were enhanced with the increase of redox cycles. Finally, the precursor was totally regenerated to the initial perovskite structure under a specific thermal treatment.