Effect of Copper Substitution and Preparation Methods on the LaMnO(subscript 3±δ) Structure and Catalysis of Methane Combustion and CO Oxidation

LaMn(subscript 1-x)Cu(subscript x) O(subscript 3±δ) perovskite oxides (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) were prepared by two different methods, the Pechini and sol-gel methods. The catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, N2 adsorption, and temperature-programmed reduction. Their catalytic activity in the oxidation of methane and CO was evaluated. EDS and SEM results showed that the Pechini samples had more homogeneity and smaller particles (higher specific surface area). The catalytic activity for methane combustion was highest for x=0.2. In CO oxidation, the oxides with x=0.2 and x=0.4 were the most active. The Pechini samples had higher activity and stability than the sol-gel samples.