Effect of Synthesis Methods on the Catalytic and Structural Properties of SrTiO3 for applications in SOFC anodes

As component of SOFC anodes, SrTiO3 has demonstrated high electronic conductivity, carbon and sulphur poisoning resistance, and good structural stability, but poor catalytic activity. This study investigated the effect of different preparation methods on the structural and textural properties of SrTiO3 with the aim to develop materials with enhanced catalytic properties for further applications in SOFC electrodes. SrTiO3 was prepared through two different co-precipitation (CP_01, CP_02) methods using oxalates as precipitant agent or with a Pechini modified approach (SG_P). All materials were extensively characterized with conventional techniques (XRD, BET) after calcination at different temperatures. The methane oxidation was choosen to compare the catalytic properties of Co impregnated oxides. The method of synthesis affects textural and structural properties of SrTiO3: SG_P method allows obtaining a higher surface area; materials prepared via SG_P or via CP_02 show a pure cubic perovsikite phase, while the material pre-pared through the CP_01 synthesis presents also Ruddlesden_Popper phases. The best activity for methane oxidation was obtained with this latter oxide. This entails correlation between the structural caracteristics of the supports and their catalytic activity.