Structural and catalytic characterization of nanostructured iron manganite

In this work the self-combustion method was applied to synthesize simple iron manganite (FeMnO3) nanopowders. Among the various methods known, the self-combustion method allows a good control over the size of the material particles. According to this method the thermal energy for the synthesis of manganite crystallites is supplied by a fast exothermic combustion reaction. The final product is a finely divided powder. The procedure offers the advantage of producing ultra-fine, homogeneous reproducible multicomponent ceramic powders with precise stoichiometry. We determined a series of structural and catalytic properties of nanostructured materials obtained by this method. The catalytic activity of the nanocrystalline iron manganite for the combustion of acetone vapors and of some hydrocarbons diluted in air was studied. The perovsldte thus obtained has a favorable microstructure for obtaining catalysts for the combustion of the gases and vapors. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.