LaCoO3 catalytically enhanced MgO partially stabilized ZrO2 in heterogeneous methane combustion

Heterogeneous combustion is an advanced combustion technique in which a porous ceramic support is immersed into a combustion chamber to provide heat redistribution through the chemical reaction wave. Within this work a support made of magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (MgO-ZrO2), a fast O2- ionic conductor, is used to evaluate gadolinia doped ceria (Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9), and lanthanum cobaltite (LaCoO3) as solid catalysts to promote lean methane combustion. By utilizing temperature profiles of the combustion chamber, collection of radiative and acoustic emissions, it was found that both Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 and LaCoO3 are effective combustion catalysts, with LaCoO3 being even better performing, which enable higher maximum temperatures within the combustion chamber and extend lean flammability limits of methane-air combustion.