A high-surface-area La-Ce-Mn mixed oxide with enhanced activity for CO and C3H8 oxidation

A high-surface-area La-Ce-Mn mixed oxide was synthesized by citrate method, with further acid etching to dissolve the La3+ ions in the lattice. The acid etching process efficiently improved the specific surface area, increased the ratios of Mn4+ /Mnn+, Ce3+/Cen+, O-alpha/O-tot, and enhanced the oxygen mobility of the catalyst, which were responsible for the superior catalytic performance. Compared to the pristine La8.8Ce0.2MnO3 + delta catalyst, the etched one could convert CO and C3H8 more efficiently, with 90% conversion of CO and C3H8 at only 73 and 196 degrees C, respectively. Such superior catalytic performance made it possible to be used for automotive emission control during cold-start period.