Abstract: Nanostructured LaFeO₃ and substituted La_1-xEu_xFeO₃ (x = 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) perovskites were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion and their activities during the combustion of toluene were evaluated. The structure and physico-chemical properties of the perovskites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and BET surface area analyses. The compounds were crystallized as a perovskite phase with an orthorhombic structure. The mean particle size of the perovskites increased with an increase in europium loading while the specific surface area decreased. Characterization data confirmed that a total insertion of Eu into LaFeO₃ occurred at x ≤ 0.15. However, Eu₂O₃ segregation occurred to some extent especially at x >0.15. The catalytic activity of the catalysts increased substantially with an increase in Eu substitution in the evaluated range.

Key words: perovskite, sol-gel, europium, volatile organic compounds, catalytic oxidation