Preparation and catalytic activities of the novel double perovskite-type oxide La2CuNiO6 for methane combustion

Rare earth perovskite-type oxides La2CuNiO6 and LaNiO3 were prepared by a sol–gel method and investigated as catalysts for the combustion of methane. The obtained powders were characterized by XRD, H2-TPR, XPS and M techniques. XRD data shows that both La2CuNiO6 and LaNiO3 formed single-phase perovskite-type oxides. The experimental results show that the catalytic activity of La2CuNiO6 was much higher than that of LaNiO3 because of the different structure and surface properties. This study points out a potential way to develop more active double perovskite-type catalysts for the combustion of methane.

Graphical abstractThe hysteresis loops at room temperature of (a) La2CuNiO6 and (b) LaNiO3 were shown. Compared with the single perovskite-type oxide LaNiO3 and the mechanical mixture of LaNiO3 and LaCuO3 at 1:1 mole ratio, La2CuNiO6 exhibited optimized catalytic performance. This could be correlated well with the catalyst reducibility and the structure and surface properties.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► La2CuNiO6 showed better catalytic activity for methane combustion. ► Oxygen vacancy ratio has a great effect on catalytic activity. ► Magnetics analysis shows that the hysteresis loop of La2CuNiO6 is unique.