Zr-supported CuFe2O4 Nanoparticles as Catalysts for the Combustion of Propane

The nanoparticles of CuFe2O4, with spinel structure, supported over ZrO2 and sulphated ZrO2, were obtained by the precursor citrate route. The supported catalysts, containing a ferrite/support ratio of 30%, were thermally treated within the range 150 -700°C, characterized by XRD, TPR, FTIR, SEM-EDX, TEM and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The propane combustion was performed as a reaction test and the influence of the thermal treatment was analyzed. Despite the differences in the physico-chemical characteristics of the Zr supports, both supported CuFe2O4 catalysts, containing 30% loading and treated at 400°C, behave as active catalysts for propane combustion of similar efficiency. Furthermore, catalytic activity decreases upon heating, mainly due to crystal growth and, in ZS supported samples due to a change in the structure of the support caused by desulphation at around 600°C. The effect of surface available cations is discussed according to Mossbauer spectra.