Catalytic conversion of methane and carbon dioxide (greenhouse gases) into syngas over samarium-cobalt-trioxides perovskite catalyst

The catalytic behaviour of samarium-cobalt-trioxides perovskite catalyst was investigated for the mitigation of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) to provide cleaner energy (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) and environment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the as-synthesized catalyst showed peaks corresponding to complexes of cobalt (II), dual oxygen species, and samarium (III) ions. X-ray diffraction pattern showed a monophasic samarium-cobalt-trioxides perovskite structure, while post-reaction analysis showed modification of the perovskite. The temperature-programmed reduction analysis showed peaks corresponding to reduction of cobalt (II) to Co. The temperature programmed desorption displayed peaks ascribed to medium strength basic and acidic sites. Performance test carried out on the catalyst via methane dry reforming, showed excellent reactants conversions of above 90% which was maintained for the duration (30 h) of the experiment. The catalyst remained active over the time of experiment, even though the temperature-programme doxidation, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses of the used catalyst showed evidence of carbon deposit.(C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.