Acid treated Sr-substituted LaCoO3 perovskite for toluene oxidation

For A-site substituted AA'BO3 perovskite, the doped A' element is easy to migrate to the surface and form segregation of A'Ox, which could partially block active B sites and thus reduce catalytic activity. In the present work a La0.8Sr0.2CoO3-δ perovskite-type solid was first prepared and then treated with acetic acid to eliminate SrO segregation on its surface. The obtained catalyst (LCSO-a) possessed a significantly enhanced catalytic activity for toluene oxidation in the 220–260 °C range. This promotion effect might be attributed to the increase in the concentration of active surface oxygen species and the reduction in their binding strength. In addition, the LCSO-a catalyst showed very good stability and water resistance. [Display omitted] •Surface SrO segregation was formed with Sr doping into the LaCoO3.•A selective removal method was used to remove SrO on the surface of catalyst.•The catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity, stability and H2O resistance.