Insights into the Low-temperature Synthesis of LaCoO₃ Derived from Co(CH₃COO)₂ via Electrospinning for Catalytic Propane Oxidation

.Summary of main observation and conclusion A series of electrospun LaCoO3 perovskites derived from CoX2 (X = CH3COO-, NO3-) were prepared and investigated for total propane oxidation. It is shown that pure rhombohedral perovskite LaCoO3 from Co(CH3COO)(2) can be obtained at a relatively low temperature, 400 degrees C, benefitting from the complexation effect of CH3COO-. On the other hand, CH3COO- can accelerate the complete decomposition of polymer. The low-temperature process can protect LaCoO3 nanoparticles from growing up. As a result, Co(CH3COO)(2)-derived catalysts exhibit better propane oxidation activity than the ones suffered the same thermal treatment by using Co(NO3)(2). XPS and H-2-TPR analysis provide that there is subtle change in Co3+/Co2+ on bulk/surface of Co(CH3COO)(2)-derived catalysts prepared at different temperatures, giving rise to similar propane oxidation activities. Moreover, the result of cyclic stability test over 400 degrees C obtained catalyst shows little deactivation, demonstrating a good thermal stability. Our study can provide a feasible route for energy-saving synthesis of LaCoO3 catalyst applied in the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).