One-step synthesis of LaNiO3 with chitosan for dry reforming of methane

Abstract This paper presents a new preparation method of a catalytic precursor LaNiO 3 perovskite type in one-step using chitosan as a chelating agent. During synthesis La and Ni nitrates were added into a solution containing chitosan, placed into an oven to decompose the reagents and subsequently calcined. The perovskite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with chemical microanalysis (SEM-EDS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The catalytic tests were conducted in a space velocity of 18 Lh −1 g −1 at three temperatures: 600, 700 and 800°C. The characterization results indicated the formation above 95% of LaNiO 3 phase with good chemical homogeneity at lower temperature with metallic area and dispersion compatible with literature. The catalytic test results showed good levels of CH 4 and CO 2 conversions and good yields of CO and H 2 . Therefore, the described method is a simple, fast and low-cost route to prepare LaNiO 3 for hydrogen production via dry reforming of methane.