Insights into the Low‐temperature Synthesis of LaCoO 3 Derived from Co(CH 3 COO) 2 via Electrospinning for Catalytic Propane Oxidation

Summary of main observation and conclusion A series of electrospun LaCoO 3 perovskites derived from CoX 2 (X = CH 3 COO – , NO 3 – ) were prepared and investigated for total propane oxidation. It is shown that pure rhombohedral perovskite LaCoO 3 from Co(CH 3 COO) 2 can be obtained at a relatively low temperature, 400 °C, benefitting from the complexation effect of CH 3 COO – . On the other hand, CH 3 COO – can accelerate the complete decomposition of polymer. The low‐temperature process can protect LaCoO 3 nanoparticles from growing up. As a result, Co(CH 3 COO) 2 ‐derived catalysts exhibit better propane oxidation activity than the ones suffered the same thermal treatment by using Co(NO 3 ) 2 . XPS and H 2 ‐TPR analysis provide that there is subtle change in Co 3+ /Co 2+ on bulk/surface of Co(CH 3 COO) 2 ‐derived catalysts prepared at different temperatures, giving rise to similar propane oxidation activities. Moreover, the result of cyclic stability test over 400 °C obtained catalyst shows little deactivation, demonstrating a good thermal stability. Our study can provide a feasible route for energy‐saving synthesis of LaCoO 3 catalyst applied in the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).