RF PLASMA SPRAY DEPOSITION OF LAMOX (M-EQUIVALENT-TO-CO, MN, NI) FILMS AND THE INVESTIGATIONS OF STRUCTURE, MORPHOLOGY AND THE CATALYTIC-OXIDATION OF CO AND C3H8

LaMO(x) (M = Co, Mn, Ni) films were deposited on the Al2O3 supports by r.f. plasma spray deposition. These films, as well as the bulk oxide samples, were prepared by a normal pressing and sintering technique and were investigated for the morphology, phase formation and structure by using techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. The temperature dependent (20-325-degrees-C) catalytic activities such as the oxidation of CO and C3H8 by perovskite films are also investigated under a typical automotive operation. LaCoO(x) and LaNiO(x) films show 58% and 62% oxidation of CO respectively above 100-degrees-C. About 40% oxidation of C3H8 by the LaCoO(x) and LaNiO(x) films occurs at 325-degrees-C.