Three-dimensional ordered macroporous perovskite-type La_(1-x)K_xNiO_3 catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity for soot combustion: the Effect of K-substitution

Three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) La1?xKxNiO3 perovskite-type catalysts were successfully prepared by a colloidal crystal template method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray scattering elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and temperature-programmed reduction of H2. Further, their catalytic activity in soot combustion was determined by temperature-programmed oxidation reaction. K substitution into the LaNiO3 lattice led to remarkably improved catalytic activity of this catalyst in soot combustion. Amongst various catalysts, La0.95K0.05NiO3 exhibited the highest activity in soot combustion (with its T50 and CO2 S values being 338 °C and 98.2%, respectively), which is comparable to the catalytic activities of Pt-based catalysts under the condition of poor contact between the soot and the catalyst. K-substitution improves the valence state of Ni and increases the number of oxygen vacancies, thereby leading to increased density of surface-active oxygen species. The active oxygen species play a vital role in catalyzing the elimination of soot. The perovskite-type La1?xKxNiO3 nanocatalysts with 3DOM structure without noble metals have potential for practical applications in the catalytic combustion of diesel soot particles.