Perovskites as catalysts precursors: synthesis and characterization

Perovskites type oxides La1−xCaxRu1−xNixO3 catalysts were developed to transform CH4 and CO2, two cheap contaminating chemicals, to more valuable feedstock such as syngas. Characterization was performed to obtain a better appreciation of the principles underlying the modification of metal catalysts by promoters by total or partial substitution of A- and B-site cations. The influence of Ru partial substitution by Ni in the LaRuO3 structure and of La by Ca on LaRu0.8Ni0.2O3 was also investigated in the dry and combine reforming of methane. After reduction Ru(Ni) crystallites size in the order of 10-15 nm were produced. Correlation between the effect of partial or total substitution of La by Ca as A-site cation of the precursor perovskite on the catalytic activity and stability of in situ formed Ru(Ni) particles was established.