LAUSR

Abstract The impact of the synthesis method and morphology of the LaFe0.5Sb1.5O6 samples on their catalytic activity in CO oxidation was studied in detail. The samples obtained by solid-phase reaction and co-precipitation showed higher catalytic activity. The features of the morphology, which cause the lowering of catalytic activity, were revealed for the samples synthesized in molten salts with and without preliminary microwave-hydrothermal treatment. A comparative study of all synthesized rosiaites LnFe0.5Sb1.5O6, Ln = La–Pr, LaFe0.5-xGaxSb1.5O6 and also pyrochlore Pr2(Fe,Sb)O7 using an in situ diffuse reflection IR spectroscopy method was undertaken to clarify the mechanism of CO oxidation. It was revealed that in the course of the reaction the intermediate complexes of metal carbonyls are formed on the surface. At the same time, inactive carbonyls, which exist on the of Ce- and Pr-containing samples surface before the reaction mixture is fed, were found. This feature gives rise to a decrease in their catalytic activity. A reaction mechanism occurring via intermediate carbonyl complexes on the active centers - [Sb3+ - VO- - Fe3+] – is proposed. The CO oxidation on completely gallium-substituted samples indicates the existing of an additional channel for proceeding of redox process, which is not associated with Fe3+. It is suggested that the nature of this channel is possibly associated with a rosiaite layered structure, which creates a unique environment conducive to complex adsorption phenomena.