Microstructural features of the La1−xCaxFeO3−δ solid solutions prepared via Pechini route

•La1−xCaxFeO (3−δ) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) perovskite were prepared by Pechini method.•Planar defects in direction (1 0 1) were observed in the perovskite surface.•α-Fe2O3 particles (1–10 nm) on the surface of perovskite were revealed.•Amount of α-Fe2O3 particles on the perovskite surface grew with rising x values.

Solid solutions with La1−xCaxFeO3−δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) perovskite-like structure prepared via Pechini route have been investigated by using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Extended planar defects lying in (1 0 1) crystallographic planes and α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the surface of perovskite microcrystals are characteristic of the samples under investigation. It was found that testing of the samples in catalytic deep CH4 oxidation process results in partial destruction of solid solutions with formation of planar defects in the bulk and α-Fe2O3 particles on the surface.

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