Features of Barium–Strontium Cobaltite as a Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation

Anion-deficient structures based on a Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Co_1 – xFe_xO_3 – δ composition, synthesized from a melt in a solar oven in a flux of concentrated solar radiation with a density of 100–200 W/cm² are studied. Briquettes in the form of tablets based on a stoichiometric mixture of carbonates and oxides of the corresponding metals (SrCO₃ + BaCO₃ + Co₂O₃ + Fe₂O₃) are melted in the focal zone of the great solar furnace. Melt drops flow into the water, cooling at a rate of 10³ deg/s. The castings were ground to a fineness of 63 µm, dried at 400°C, and molded into tablets (samples) with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 10 mm. Samples of the material are sintered in the temperature range 1050–1250°C. The samples are used to study the structure, water absorption, and destruction in a carbon dioxide environment. The crystal lattice of the material has a perovskite structure with the unit cell parameter a = 4.04 Å. Samples of the material show resistance to water vapor. The observed values of the structural parameters indicate that the material of composition Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_2.78 can be used as a catalyst for the generation of hydrogen and synthesis gas through reforming and methane oxidation.