Structural and Catalytic Characterization of La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 Nanofibers for Application in Direct Methane Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes

In the present work, structural and catalytic characterization was performed on La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 (LSM) nanofibers. The LSM nanofibers were obtained using the electrospinning technique. For comparison, LSM powders with identical composition were characterized as well. The LSM powders were prepared through a self-combustion citrate-based procedure. SEM, EDX, XRD, and BET investigations were carried out on both LSM nanofibers and powders, pointing out the different structural features. The LSM nanofibers showed a higher surface area than the LSM powders and a lower presence of strontium oxide on the surface. Results of the H-2-Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR) tests showed evidence of a higher reactivity of the nanofibers compared to the powders. The catalytic characterization was performed utilizing a methane oxidation activity test, revealing a better catalytic performance of the LSM nanofibers: at 800 degrees C. The methane conversion achieved with the LSM nanofibers was 73%, which compared well with the 50% obtained with powders at 900 degrees C.