LANTHANUM COBALT OXIDE OXIDATION CATALYSTS DERIVED FROM MIXED HYDROXIDE PRECURSORS

Simultaneous oxidation/co-precipitation of an equimolar mixture of La(III) and Co(II) nitrates afforded a hydroxide-containing gel, which was converted to LaCoO3 on calcination at 600°C. A material with surface area in excess of 40 m2/g has been produced, provided the hydroxide gel was washed with a nonaqueous solvent before dehydration. The resultant LaCoO3 perovskite sintered readily on heating above 700°C. Rates for oxidation for CO and propane showed a linear dependence upon the surface area of LaCoO3 in the temperature range RT to 600°C. © 1990.