Acidic H2O2 treatment of LaCoO3 towards highly dispersed Co3O4 nanoparticles with excellent catalytic performance for C3H8 combustion

The acidic H2O2 solution employed in the treatment of LaCoO3 resulted in an improved porosity and the formation of Co3O4 nanoparticles highly dispersed on the surface of LaCoO3. The resulting solid exhibited superior catalytic activity towards propane combustion with Tso as low as 254 degrees C, high stability with time on stream (up to 48 h) and excellent water tolerance. This catalytic behavior was associated with the increase in the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the formed perovskite solid support.