Regulation of LaCoO3 perovskite by Ce substitution for efficient toluene oxidation

Developing highly efficient, stable, and economical catalysts is crucial for the catalytic oxidation of toluene. Herein, Ce was successfully doped into the lattice of the LaCoO 3 perovskite, and the Ce substitution significantly promoted the catalytic performance of the lanthanum-cobalt perovskite for toluene oxidation. La 0.95 Ce 0.05 CoO 3 catalyst demonstrated the optimal catalytic activity, achieving a toluene conversion of 90% at 208 °C, which was 35 °C lower than that of LaCoO 3 . La 0.95 Ce 0.05 CoO 3 maintained excellent stability during extended reaction (1200 min) and exhibited good water resistance. Ce substitution led to an increase in the relative content of surface Co 3+ species, leading to a higher number of active sites on the catalyst surface. Furthermore, it was found that Ce substitution also enhanced the mobility of lattice oxygen in perovskite. The types of intermediate species remained unchanged, however, the formation and consumption rates were significantly accelerated by Ce substitution. These findings provided new insights into how Ce substitution promoted the catalytic performance of LaCoO 3 and contributed to the development of catalysts for toluene oxidation.