Effect of factors on the catalytic acitivity of (La, Ca) Fe1-xCuxO3 perovskites in benzyl alcohol oxidation.

Abstract

Perovskites LaFe_1-xCu_xO₃ (x = 0 - 0.4) and CaFe_0.8Cu_0.2O_2.5 were synthesized by the method of Pechini, while the LaFe_0.8Cu_0.2O₃ sample was synthesized by sol - gel one. Their structures were characterized by means of  X - Ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A study of several factors affecting the benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction in vapor phase in the presence of those solids indicates that Cu content in perovskites phase; preparation method and character of a component in AB0₃ chemical formula of perovskites have significantly affected the catalytic activity. It was found that LaFe_0.8Cu_0.2O₃  sample, which was  prepared via the method of Pechini, showed the best catalytic performance at 350^oC, 1.5h^-1  and 30 minute reaction time.