Ni-Fe Catalysts Derived from Perovskite Precursors for Partial Oxidation of Methane

LaNi1-xFexO3 perovskites (x= 0, 0.2 and 0.4) were synthesized by the combustion method with urea and used as catalyst precursors in the partial oxidation of methane (POM). LaNiO3 was obtained as a single phase, while NiO and La(OH)3 were also detected in Fe-doped samples. The substitution of Ni by Fe in LaNiO3 perovskite resulted in a decrease in the specific surface area and an increase in the reduction temperature. The perovskite structure was completely decomposed by reduction, with formation of Ni°-Fe° and La2O3 phases. Activity cycles between 400 and 800°C revealed that the introduction of Fe decreased the catalytic activity for POM reaction at high temperatures. The catalysts showed great stability during 24 h on stream at 750°C without carbon deposition.