Enhanced Combustion of Lean Methane by La-based Perovskite Catalysts in a Porous Media Burner

Researchers at China Jiliang University have discovered a novel method for improving combustion efficiency and reducing methane emissions using La-based perovskite catalysts in a porous media burner. This breakthrough could potentially mitigate the greenhouse effect and contribute to environmental sustainability. The study, published in Separation and Purification Technology, highlights the potential of porous media combustion (PMC) catalyzed by La-based perovskite in treating low-concentration methane emissions.

Key Takeaways:

• The study focuses on the application of porous media combustion (PMC) technology for lean methane combustion, with a particular emphasis on La-based perovskite catalysts.
• The catalysts (LaFeO3, LaNiO3, and LaMnO3) were synthesized using a citric acid complexation impregnation method and exhibited significantly enhanced specific surface area, increasing the number of catalytically active sites and reaction interfaces.
• Experimental results demonstrated that catalytic combustion improved cold-start response, flame stability, and temperature distribution compared to inert PMC.
• The catalytic system achieved faster stabilization, attributed to enhanced heat transfer and fuel oxidation.
• The LaMnO3-loaded porous spheres demonstrated superior performance, reaching the highest combustion temperature of 1473 K and a methane conversion efficiency of 92.2 % at an equivalence ratio of 0.45 and a gas flow rate of 75 cm/s.
• The study highlights the potential of PMC catalyzed by La-based perovskite in treating low-concentration methane emissions, contributing to cleaner combustion processes and environmental sustainability.

Statistics:

• The study achieved a methane conversion efficiency of 92.2 % at an equivalence ratio of 0.45 and a gas flow rate of 75 cm/s.
• The LaMnO3-loaded porous spheres reached a combustion temperature of 1473 K, which is significantly higher than the inert burner.
• The catalytic system exhibited a wider range of gas flow rates for flame stabilization (equivalence ratio: 0.325-0.45, gas flow rate: 22.5-75 cm/s) compared to the inert burner (equivalence ratio: 0.35-0.45, gas flow rate: 30-70 cm/s).

Sources:

• NewsRx. New Global Warming and Climate Change Study Findings Recently Were Reported by Researchers at China Jiliang University (Enhanced Combustion of Lean Methane By La-based Perovskite Catalysts In a Porous Media Burner). Global Warming Focus. July 14, 2025; p 2354.
• Enhanced Combustion of Lean Methane By La-based Perovskite Catalysts In a Porous Media Burner. Separation and Purification Technology, 2025;360.