Partial oxidation of methane to syngas over SmCoO3-derived catalysts: the effect of the supercritical fluid assisted modification of the perovskite precursor.

Syngas is crucial raw for the production of hydrogen-rich gas for green energy and for various petrochemical processes. Herein, we report the Syngas production via partial oxidation of methane (POM) on new SmCoO 3 -derived catalysts produced from simple individual precursor. Precursor modified by supercritical antisolvent precipitation (SAS) involving supercritical CO 2 yields SmCoO 3 with finer grains, and the catalytic activity of respective Co/Sm 2 O 3 composite formed in situ during POM is considerably enchanced. This catalyst does not undergo coking, and provides CO and H 2 yields of 75–88% for 55 h at 900 °C, thereby being the most efficient POM catalysts derived from non-substituted LnCoO 3. Thus, the prospects of exploiting SAS modification of the precursor for SmCoO 3 to enhance the catalytic activity of the daughter Co/Sm 2 O 3 composites are demonstrated for the first time. Given the overall simplicity in production, studied Co/Sm 2 O 3 composites can also be convenient systems for further development of POM catalysts. [Display omitted] • Precursor for SmCoO 3 was modified by supercritical antisolvent precipitation (SAS). • It improved catalytic activity of SmCoO 3 in the Syngas production by POM. • No preliminary reduction of SmCoO 3 to Co/Sm 2 O 3 catalysts is required. • Highest activity and stability as POM catalyst was achieved among LnCoO 3. • Prospects of using SAS in the design of efficient Co/Sm 2 O 3 catalysts are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]