Cobalt-iron oxides made by CVD for low temperature catalytic application

Abstract

Thin films of cobalt-iron oxides (CoFe2O4) with spinel-type structure were prepared by pulsed-spray evaporation chemical vapor deposition (PSE-CVD) using Fe(acac)3 and Co(acac)3 as precursors. The optimal depositions of CVD-type growth have been established and such growth can be achieved at 400 °C. The obtained films have been systematically characterized in terms of structure (XRD and Raman), surface, and bulk composition (XPS and EDS) as well as morphology (SEM). CoFe2O4 has been successfully tested as an active catalyst toward total oxidation of CO, C3H6, dimethyl ether (DME), and n-C4H8. The results indicate that both the lattice and adsorbed oxygen presented at the surface of the catalyst play determinant roles in the catalytic oxidation process.