Catalytic methane combustion on La-based perovskite type catalysts

The catalytic behavior of two series of lanthanum-based perovskite catalysts (La1-xSrxFeO3 and La1-xSrxCoO3) has been investigated in isothermal conditions close to those existing in a catalytic burner, at 900 degrees C and in the presence of water and carbon dioxide in the gas phase. The study of the influence of the lanthanum partial substitution by strontium has shown that the presence of strontium increases the specific surface area of the catalysts, and accordingly the catalytic activity, the best performances being observed for the La0.8Sr0.2MO3 samples (M=Fe or Co). Moreover, the presence of strontium seems to limit the sintering of the catalysts, even after a drastic aging under conditions modeling the reaction environment.