NOx adsorption behavior of LaFeO3 and LaMnO3+δ and its influence on potentiometric sensor response

NOx adsorption behavior on LaFeO3 (LFO) and LaMnO3+δ (LMO) was characterized using temperature controlled methods and mass spectrometry. Temperature program desorption revealed decomposition of complex surface species formation when NO or NO2 was adsorbed on LFO and LMO. LFO exhibited higher adsorption capacity for NOx species than LMO and was shown to be more active for NOx surface conversion. Both effects were attributed to the different B-site cations, with iron in LFO in the 3+ valence state, and manganese in LMO in the 3+ and 4+ valence states. Results from diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy were used to identify specific nitrite and nitrate species that are formed on the surfaces of LFO and LMO at room temperature. Temperature programmed reaction revealed a complex NO2 decomposition mechanism to NO and O2 for LFO and LMO in which the formation of nitrite and nitrate species serve as intermediates below ∼600 °C. NOx sensing mechanisms were considered and predicted based on the types and quantities of surface species formed.