Synthesis, characterization and catalytic-photocatalytic activity of Nanosized Perovskite-Type Lanthanum Cobaltite

Nanoparticle Lanthanum cobaltite prepared by citrate method was characterized using X-ray diffraction measurement, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, Photoluminescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. XRD analysis showed that the nano-perovskite derived after calcination at 700 ºC with rhombohedral structure. The particle size of nano-perovskite was found to be ~30 nm. The activity of Lanthanum cobaltite was evaluated by decomposition of solution of rhodamine B (RhB) as a model pollutant both in the absence and in the presence of visible light irradiation. Results show that the RhB decomposes to 90% in 150 min under dark and light conditions over Lanthanum cobaltite catalyst. However, the present catalytic decomposition does not require light and additional reagents or external energy input, which hence provides a potentially low-cost alternative for the remediation of dye effluents. Generally, Lanthanum cobaltite exhibited a high catalytic ability because of high surface area and small particle size, which are favorable for development of active sites. The prepared catalyst was stable and reusable in 3 cycles.

Keywords:

Nanoparticle , Lanthanum cobaltite , Rhodamine B , Catalytic Decomposition , visible light.