Synthesis and Characterisation of PrMn1−XBXO3 (B = Fe, Ni) as Catalysts for Oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds

PrMn1−XBXO3 (B = Fe, Ni, x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) perovskites were synthesised by co-precipitation and citrate precursor sol–gel method (CPSG). X-ray diffraction patterns indicate improved crystalline nature of materials synthesised by CPSG method. BET surface area values were highest for PrMn0.4Fe0.6O3 (14.25 m2/g) and PrMn0.6Ni0.4O3 (26.61 m2/g) and morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed porous nature of materials when synthesised by sol gel method. Particle size derived from transmission electron microscopy was smallest for PrMn1−XNiXO3 (CPSG) series (20–120nm). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra suggest surface enrichment of Pr3+ ions in PrMn0.4Fe0.6O3 and PrMn0.6Ni0.4O3 for perovskites prepared by citrate precursor method. Catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compound (VOC) was carried out over PrMn0.4Fe0.6O3 and PrMn0.6Ni0.4O3. Under the reaction conditions (VOC concentration = 1 vol%, flow rate 150 ml/min) the catalysts gave a conversion efficiency of 82% and 94% for PrMn0.4Fe0.6O3 and PrMn0.6Ni0.4O3 respectively. The perovskite materials are therefore potential catalysts for the oxidation of VOC.